Word Study
colchicum
CIDE DICTIONARY
colchicum, 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.].
A genus of bulbous-rooted plants found in many parts of Europe, including the meadow saffron. [1913 Webster]
" 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." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
colchicum, n.
1 any liliaceous plant of the genus Colchicum, esp. meadow saffron.
2 its dried corm or seed. Also called autumn crocus.
1 any liliaceous plant of the genus Colchicum, esp. meadow saffron.
2 its dried corm or seed. Also called autumn crocus.
Etymology
L f. Gk kolkhikon of Kolkhis, a region east of the Black Sea
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