meadow saffron: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Botanical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “meadow saffron” mean?
A poisonous, autumn-flowering bulbous plant (Colchicum autumnale) with crocus-like pink or purple flowers, also known as autumn crocus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A poisonous, autumn-flowering bulbous plant (Colchicum autumnale) with crocus-like pink or purple flowers, also known as autumn crocus.
Sometimes used to refer to other similar flowering plants in the genus Colchicum. In herbalism and medicine, the source of colchicine, a compound used to treat gout.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but it is a specialised botanical/common name. 'Autumn crocus' is a more frequent common name in general use in both regions.
Connotations
Connotes a wildflower, autumn, and (in knowledgeable contexts) toxicity. No significant regional connotative difference.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. More likely encountered in gardening, botanical, or medical texts than everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “meadow saffron” in a Sentence
The [adj] meadow saffron [verb] in the field.Meadow saffron, [which clause], is toxic.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in pharmaceutical contexts regarding colchicine production.
Academic
Used in botany, toxicology, pharmacology, and plant biology texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Used by gardeners, hikers, or in areas where the plant grows wild.
Technical
Standard term in botanical keys and field guides; precise in pharmacological contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meadow saffron”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meadow saffron”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meadow saffron”
- Confusing it with true saffron (Crocus sativus).
- Assuming it is safe to handle or ingest.
- Using it as a verb or adjective (it is strictly a noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not. Meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale) is a different genus and family from true saffron (Crocus sativus). They are commonly confused due to similar common names and autumn flowering.
Absolutely not. All parts of the meadow saffron plant are highly poisonous and can be fatal if ingested.
Its primary modern use is as the source of colchicine, a pharmaceutical compound used to treat gout and some other medical conditions.
It typically blooms in autumn (September-October), which is why it is also called 'autumn crocus'. The leaves appear in spring, separate from the flowers.
A poisonous, autumn-flowering bulbous plant (Colchicum autumnale) with crocus-like pink or purple flowers, also known as autumn crocus.
Meadow saffron is usually technical/botanical/formal in register.
Meadow saffron: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmedəʊ ˈsæfrən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmedoʊ ˈsæfrən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: It flowers in the MEADOW in autumn, looks like SAFFRON crocus, but is NOT safe ('meadow' + 'saffron' = 'meadow saffron').
Conceptual Metaphor
Beauty is deceptive (a beautiful flower that is highly poisonous).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is TRUE about meadow saffron?