[ 'kɒltʃɪkəm , 'kɒlk- ]
■ noun ( plural ~s ) a plant of a genus that includes the autumn crocuses. [Genus Colchicum .]
↘the dried corm or seed of meadow saffron, which is used medicinally.
Origin
from L., from Gk kolkhikon 'of Colchis', an ancient region east of the Black Sea, alluding to the skills as a poisoner of Medea of Colchis in classical mythology.