Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Crocus
Cro′cus
(krō′kŭs)
, Noun.
[L., saffron, fr. Gr.
κρόκος
; cf. Heb. karkōm
, Ar. kurkum
, Skr. kuṅkuma
.] 1.
(Bot.)
A genus of iridaceous plants, with pretty blossoms rising separately from the bulb or corm.
Crocus vernus
is one of the earliest of spring-blooming flowers; Crocus sativus
produces the saffron, and blossoms in the autumn. 2.
(Chem.)
A deep yellow powder; the oxide of some metal calcined to a red or deep yellow color; esp., the oxide of iron (
Crocus of Mars
or colcothar
) thus produced from salts of iron, and used as a polishing powder. Crocus of Venus
(Old Chem.)
, oxide of copper.
Webster 1828 Edition
Crocus
CROCUS
,Noun.
1.
Saffron, a genus of plants.2.
In chimistry, a yellow powder; any metal calcined to a red or deep yellow color.