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colchicine
noun
col·chi·cine
ˈkäl-chə-ˌsēn
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
Authorities allege Connor used liquid colchicine to poison his wife Betty, who died on Aug. 20, 2023, four days after she was admitted to the hospital with severe gastrointestinal distress, according to a criminal complaint previously reviewed by PEOPLE.
—Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 8 May 2024
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
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
Dictionary Entries Near colchicine
Cite this Entry
“Colchicine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colchicine. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
colchicine
noun
col·chi·cine
ˈkäl-chə-ˌsēn
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-
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on colchicine
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about colchicine
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