Definition

A toxic substance derived from the autumn crocus, used in medicine to treat gout and in plant breeding to increase chromosome numbers.

Example

The doctor prescribed colchicine to help manage the patient's gout symptoms.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of colchicine for treating gout?

Yeah, I've read that it's quite effective for that.

It's interesting how a plant-derived compound like colchicine can help with such a painful condition.

Absolutely! Nature has some amazing remedies.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Colchicine** → The word 'colchicine' is derived from 'Colchicum' (the genus name of the plant from which it is extracted, specifically the autumn crocus) and the suffix '-ine' (used in chemistry to denote substances). The term refers to a chemical compound derived from the Colchicum plant, known for its use in treating gout and other conditions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'Colchicum', the plant that gives us colchicine, and remember that this word refers to a substance derived from that plant.

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