Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈɔːtəm ˈkrəʊkəs/ (British), /ˈɑːtəm ˈkrəʊkəs/ (American)

Definitions

• 1. A plant of the genus *Colchicum*, known for its large, often purple or white flowers, that bloom in autumn. It is also called "meadow saffron" and is unrelated to the true saffron crocus.
• 2. A term used to describe the flowers or plants that bloom in the autumn season, particularly those belonging to the *Colchicum* family.
• 3. A symbol of the changing seasons, representing the transition from summer to fall, and the fleeting nature of autumn.

Usage Examples

• "The autumn crocus brightened the garden with its purple petals, signaling the end of the warmer months."
• "Autumn crocuses are often found in woodland areas, where their delicate flowers emerge as the leaves fall from the trees."
• "In many gardens, the autumn crocus serves as a reminder of the beauty that autumn brings before winter sets in."

Etymology

The name "autumn crocus" is derived from the word "autumn," the season in which the flowers bloom, and "crocus," which comes from the Greek word *krokos*, meaning "saffron," due to the similarity in the appearance of the flowers. Despite its name, the autumn crocus is not related to the true saffron crocus (*Crocus sativus*), but its name reflects the similar look of its flowers, which resemble those of the saffron crocus and bloom in a similar seasonal period.

Synonyms

• Meadow saffron
• Autumn flower
• Fall crocus

Antonyms

• Spring crocus
• Summer bloom
• Winter flower

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, "autumn crocus" is pronounced with a clearer /krəʊkəs/.
• In American English, the pronunciation is /krəʊkəs/ but may sound softer with a subtle difference in the "o" sound.

Historical Usage

The autumn crocus has been known since antiquity and was often mentioned in ancient texts, particularly in Greece, where the plant was associated with the fall harvest. It was revered for its beauty and the medicinal properties of the alkaloids it contained, particularly in its seeds. The term "autumn crocus" gained wider usage during the 18th century, when botanists began to classify plants more rigorously and the plant was recognized as a distinct species from the spring crocus. The flower has remained a popular subject in art and poetry, symbolizing the transition from the lushness of summer to the melancholy of autumn.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the autumn crocus represents the fleeting beauty of the fall season. Its blooming is often seen as a reminder of the cycle of life and death, particularly in European traditions where autumn is linked to harvest festivals and the impending winter. In some cultures, the flower is considered a symbol of renewal, as it blooms just before the cold months, showing resilience. In literature, the autumn crocus has been used as a metaphor for ephemeral beauty or short-lived joy, often reflecting the transient nature of happiness or life itself.

More Information

The autumn crocus, or *Colchicum autumnale*, is a perennial plant that belongs to the lily family (Liliaceae). Unlike the true crocus, which flowers in spring, the autumn crocus blooms in the fall, often after the first frost. Its beautiful, large flowers are typically purple or white and emerge from bare soil, as the plant’s leaves appear later in the spring. Though it is often confused with the true crocus, the autumn crocus contains colchicine, a compound used in the treatment of gout, but it is highly toxic if consumed improperly. The plant is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of the Mediterranean, thriving in woodland clearings and meadows.