Colchicum \Col"chi*cum\, n. [L., a plant with a poisonous root, fr. Colchicus Colchian, fr. Colchis, Gr. ?, an ancient province in Asia, east of the Black Sea, where was the home of Media the sorceress.]

(Bot.) A genus of bulbous-rooted plants found in many parts of Europe, including the meadow saffron.

Note: Preparations made from the poisonous bulbs and seeds, and perhaps from the flowers, of the Colchicum autumnale (meadow saffron) are used as remedies for gout and rheumatism.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)