colchicine

noun col·chi·cine \ ˈkäl-chə-ˌsēn , ˈkäl-kə- \

Updated on: 2 Apr 2018

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

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Recent Examples of colchicine from the Web

The idea that colchicine—a poison drawn from the seeds and stem of the lovely autumn crocus—could be used to prevent complications in patients undergoing heart surgery was an intoxicating one.

— clifton leaf, Fortune, "Brainstorm Health: Clinical Trials, Health Care Startup for the Poor, The Cost of CHIP," 6 Jan. 2018
Known since the Middle Ages, colchicine had been one of those ancient discoveries that had found new life in a host of scientific and medical applications during the modern era.

— clifton leaf, Fortune, "Brainstorm Health: Clinical Trials, Health Care Startup for the Poor, The Cost of CHIP," 6 Jan. 2018
In 2009 the Food and Drug Administration approved a new version of colchicine, which treats symptoms of gout.

— mark l. baum, WSJ, "How FDA Rules Made a $15 Drug Cost $400," 5 Apr. 2017

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

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

colchicine

noun col·chi·cine \ ˈkäl-chə-ˌsēn, ˈkäl-kə- \

medical 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