Main Entry:

col·chi·cine

Pronunciation:

\ˈkäl-chə-ˌsēn, ˈkäl-kə-\

Function:

noun

Date:

circa 1847

: a poisonous alkaloid C₂₂H₂₅NO₆ 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