a liliaceous plant, Colchicum autumnale, of Europe and N Africa having pink or purplish autumn flowers
Also called: meadow saffron. Compare saffron
autumn crocus in American English
colchicum (sense 1)
autumn crocus in American English
noun
any of several bulbous plants of the genus Colchicum, of the lily family, esp. C. autumnale, bearing showy, crocuslike white, pink, or purple flowers in autumn
Also called: meadow saffron, Brit naked ladies
Word origin
[1905–10]This word is first recorded in the period 1905–10. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: aspect ratio, cadre, overcall, revolving door, thiamine
Examples of 'autumn crocus' in a sentence
autumn crocus
Confusingly, there exists a true crocus that is also called autumn crocus.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Colchicum (autumn crocus) leaves are brown now and can be pulled off.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Another autumn flower is meadow saffron, which is often called autumn crocus.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
One distinctly autumnal flower is meadow saffron, or autumn crocus.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
All parts of the autumn crocus are poisonous.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Not surprisingly it is sometimes - but misleadingly - called autumn crocus.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Autumn crocus leaves have browned and flopped now, and if in grass you can mow over them.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The 'official' autumn crocus of the botanists looks rather similar but is a true crocus.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The season of flowers seems to die away as the last blooms of autumn crocus, or meadow saffron, fade and collapse.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
To cap it all, some autumn crocuses flower in spring.