n.
Pronunciation: ' käl-ch ə - ˌ s ē n, ' käl-k ə -
Function: noun
Date: circa 1847
: a poisonous alkaloid C 22 H 25 NO 6 that inhibits mitosis, is extracted from the corms or seeds of the autumn crocus ( Colchicum autumnale ), and is used especially in the treatment of gout and to produce polyploidy in plants