Search Dictionary
Definition of meadow saffron

meadow saffron

Plural:meadow saffrons
JUMP TO:

• noun

1

A poisonous European perennial flowering plant (Colchicum autumnale) of the family Colchicaceae, native to damp meadows and woodlands, which produces solitary, crocus-like pale lilac, pink, or purple goblet-shaped flowers in autumn before its broad green leaves emerge in spring, and serves as a source of the medicinal alkaloid colchicine.

Example

"The damp pasture was dotted with the pale purple blossoms of meadow saffron in late September."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for meadow saffron

Word Nuance & Usage

Despite its common name and superficial resemblance to the true saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale) is highly toxic to humans and livestock and must never be used as a culinary spice.

• Nearby Words

mead
meadow
meadow rue
meadow saffron
meadowland
meadowlark
meadowsweet

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Meadow saffron. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/meadow-saffron
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.