'Crocus of Mars' definitions:

Definition of 'Crocus of Mars'

From: GCIDE
  • Crocus \Cro"cus\ (kr[=o]"k[u^]s), n. [L., saffron, fr. Gr. kro`kos; cf. Heb. kark[=o]m, Ar. kurkum, Skr. ku[.n]kuma.]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Crocus of Venus (Old Chem.), oxide of copper. [1913 Webster]