colchicum

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkɒltʃɪkəm, ˈkɒlk-/

noun (plural colchicums)

  • a plant of a genus that includes the autumn crocuses.
    • Genus Colchicum, family Liliaceae
  • [mass noun] the dried corm or seed of meadow saffron, which has analgesic properties and is used medicinally.

Origin:

from Latin, from Greek kolkhikon 'of Colchis', alluding to the skills as a poisoner of the sorceress Medea of Colchis in classical mythology