Ergot

Definition:

  • (n.) A diseased condition of rye and other cereals, in which the grains become black, and often spur-shaped. It is caused by a parasitic fungus, Claviceps purpurea.
  • (n.) The mycelium or spawn of this fungus infecting grains of rye and wheat. It is a powerful remedial agent, and also a dangerous poison, and is used as a means of hastening childbirth, and to arrest bleeding.
  • (n.) A stub, like soft horn, about the size of a chestnut, situated behind and below the pastern joint.
  • (n.) See 2d Calcar, 3 (b).

Compare ergot with other words:

argot vs. ergot

ergo vs. ergot

ergot vs. ergotized

ergot vs. ergotine

ergot vs. mobile

ergot vs. spurred

ergot vs. ergotism

ergot vs. ergotic

ergot vs. infected

deformed vs. ergot

ergot vs. sclerotium

ergot vs. grass

ergot vs. fungus