Definition of colchicine
: 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
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of colchicine from the Web
-
In 2009 the Food and Drug Administration approved a new version of colchicine, which treats symptoms of gout.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'colchicine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of colchicine
circa 1847
Medical Dictionary
colchicine
playMedical Definition of colchicine
: a poisonous alkaloid C22H25NO6 that inhibits mitosis, is extracted from the corms or seeds of the autumn crocus, and is used in the treatment of gout and acute attacks of gouty arthritis
Learn More about colchicine
-
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about colchicine
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up colchicine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!