hermodactyl
noun
her·mo·dac·tyl
ˈhərməˌdaktᵊl
variants or hermodactylus
ˌ⸗⸗ˈ⸗tələs
plural hermodactyls
-tᵊlz
or hermodactyli -təˌlī
1
: a root formerly used as a cathartic or for the relief of gout that was probably derived from an Asiatic colchicum (Colchicum luteum) but has been often considered to be or confused with the root of the Mediterranean snake's-head iris
2
: a plant producing hermodactyls
broadly : any of various colchicums compare colchicine
Word History
Etymology
Medieval Latin hermodactylus, from Greek hermodaktylon, from hermo- (from Hermēs, messenger of the gods) + -daktylon (from daktylos finger)