colchicine

noun

col·​chi·​cine ˈkäl-chə-ˌsēn How to pronounce colchicine (audio)
ˈkäl-kə-
: 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

Examples of colchicine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The following medications lower the absorption of vitamin B12: Metformin (used for diabetes), colchicine (used to prevent/treat gout), and aminosalicylic acid (used for tuberculosis). Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 The medical examiner determined Betty Bowman died of colchicine toxicity and ruled her death a homicide, according to the complaint. Antonio Planas, NBC News, 9 Jan. 2024 Investigators alleged that Connor Bowman had intentionally poisoned his wife with colchicine, a medicine used to treat gout, after days of researching the drug. Sarah Al-Arshani, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2024 The medical examiner eventually determined Betty’s cause of death was toxic effects of colchicine and the manner of death to be homicide, the complaint states. Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 8 Jan. 2024 Enlarge / Ball-and-stick model of the colchicine molecule. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 Oct. 2023 Bowman also researched colchicine, a drug typically used to treat gout, on his digital devices, according to the complaint. Andrew Jeong, Washington Post, 11 Jan. 2024 The search found internet searches for colchicine, a drug used to treat gout. Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2024 Blood and urine samples from Betty Bowman showed colchicine present in her body, and her records do not show that she had been diagnosed with gout or prescribed colchicine by doctors. Andrew Jeong, Washington Post, 11 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'colchicine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of colchicine was circa 1847

Dictionary Entries Near colchicine

Cite this Entry

“Colchicine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colchicine. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

colchicine

noun
col·​chi·​cine ˈkäl-chə-ˌsēn How to pronounce colchicine (audio)
ˈkäl-kə-
: a poisonous substance that is obtained from the corms or seeds of a plant resembling a crocus and that is used on cells to cause changes in chromosome numbers and to produce new varieties of plants

Medical Definition

colchicine

noun
col·​chi·​cine ˈkäl-chə-ˌsēn, ˈkäl-kə- How to pronounce colchicine (audio)
: 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

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