from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Crocus \Cro"cus\ (kr[=o]"k[u^]s), n. [L., saffron, fr. Gr.
kro`kos; cf. Heb. kark[=o]m, Ar. kurkum, Skr. ku[.n]kuma.]
1. (Bot.) A genus of iridaceous plants, with pretty blossoms
rising separately from the bulb or corm. {Crocus vernus}
is one of the earliest of spring-blooming flowers; {Crocus
sativus} produces the saffron, and blossoms in the autumn.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Chem.) A deep yellow powder; the oxide of some metal
calcined to a red or deep yellow color; esp., the oxide of
iron ({Crocus of Mars} or {colcothar}) thus produced from
salts of iron, and used as a polishing powder.
[1913 Webster]
{Crocus of Venus} (Old Chem.), oxide of copper.
[1913 Webster]