The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Colchicum \Col"chi*cum\, n. [L., a plant with a poisonous root,
   fr. Colchicus Colchian, fr. Colchis, Gr. ?, an ancient
   province in Asia, east of the Black Sea, where was the home
   of Media the sorceress.] (Bot.)
   A genus of bulbous-rooted plants found in many parts of
   Europe, including the meadow saffron.
   [1913 Webster]

   Note: Preparations made from the poisonous bulbs and seeds,
         and perhaps from the flowers, of the Colchicum
         autumnale (meadow saffron) are used as remedies for
         gout and rheumatism.
         [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

Colchicum autumnale
    n 1: bulbous autumn-flowering herb with white, purple or
         lavender-and-white flowers; native to western and central
         Europe [syn: autumn crocus, meadow saffron, naked
         lady, Colchicum autumnale]