Ergot

[ә:gәt]

Definition

(noun.) a fungus that infects various cereal plants forming compact black masses of branching filaments that replace many grains of the plant; source of medicinally important alkaloids and of lysergic acid.

(noun.) a plant disease caused by the ergot fungus.

Edited by Francine--From WordNet

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).

Checker: Sabina

Synonyms and Synonymous

n. Spurred rye.

Edited by Cathryn

Definition

n. a disease consisting of a parasitical fungus found on the seed of certain plants esp. rye and some other grasses.—ns. Er′gotine the active principle of ergot of rye; Er′gotism poisoning caused by eating bread made of rye diseased with ergot; Ergotisā′tion.—v.t. Er′gotise.

Editor: Sweeney