[col.chi.cum] n [NL, genus name, fr. L, a kind of plant with a poisonous root, fr. Gk kolchikon, lit., product of Colchis] (1597) 1: any of a genus (Colchicum) of Old World corm-producing herbs of the lily family with flowers that resemble crocuses
2: the dried corm or dried seeds of autumn crocus containing colchicine, possessing emetic, diuretic, and cathartic action, and used to treat gout