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.
&fist; 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.