ergot noun. ['ǝ:gɒt] L17.
[French = cock's spur from Old French ar
i. got, argoz of unkn. origin.]
1. A disease of rye and certain other grasses in which the seeds become replaced by hard black sclerotia of a fungus of the genus Claviceps, esp. C. purpurea, giving the appearance of a cock's spur; a sclerotium, or sclerotia, of this kind; a fungus causing such a disease. L17.
Rolling Stone Her explanation was ergot poisoning.
■ F. T. Brooks Some of the ergots fall to the ground.

2. (A preparation or extract of) the dried sclerotia of this fungus used medicinally for the alkaloids they contain, esp. to induce contraction of the uterus. M19.

3. A small horny protrusion on the back of the fetlock of most horses. L19.

■ ergoted adjective affected with ergot M19.

■ ergotized adjective = ergoted E19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲