ˈhərməˌdakt ə l, ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun
or her·mo·dac·ty·lus ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷tələs
( plural hermodactyls -t ə lz ; or hermodacty·li -təˌlī)
Etymology: Medieval Latin hermodactylus, from Greek hermodaktylon, from hermo- (from Hermēs, messenger of the gods) + -daktylon (from daktylos finger)
1. : a root formerly used as a cathartic or for the relief of gout that was prob. derived from an Asiatic colchicum ( Colchicum luteum ) but has been often considered to be or confused with the root of the Mediterranean snake's-head iris
2. : a plant producing hermodactyls ; broadly : any of various colchicums — compare colchicine