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}.
[1913 Webster]