Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Colchicine \Col"chi*cine\ (? or ?), n. [Cf. F. colchicine.]
   (Chem.)
   A powerful vegetable alkaloid, {C17H19NO5}, extracted from
   the {Colchicum autumnale}, or meadow saffron, as a white or
   yellowish amorphous powder, with a harsh, bitter taste; --
   called also {colchicia}.

Colchicum \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.

Source : WordNet®

Colchicum autumnale
     n : bulbous autumn-flowering herb with white, purple or
         lavender-and-white flowers; native to western and central
         Europe [syn: {autumn crocus}, {meadow saffron}, {naked
         lady}]