\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.
Note: 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.