D defs.my
Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913

Crocus

/(krō"kŭs)/ · Cro·cus · IPA /ˈkɹoʊ.kəs/
01 n. A genus of iridaceous plants, with pretty blossoms rising separately from the bulb or corm. Crocus vernus is one of the earliest of spring-…
  1. 1.
    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.(Bot.)
  2. 2.
    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.(Chem.)
Phrases & compounds
Crocus of Venus — oxide of copper.