ergotism

American  

[ur-guh-tiz-uhm] / ˈɜr gəˌtɪz əm /

noun

Pathology.

1. a condition caused by eating rye or some other grain that is infected with ergot fungus or by taking an overdose of a medicine containing ergot, characterized by cramps, spasms, and a form of gangrene.

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ergotism British  

/ ˈɜːɡəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. Also called: Saint Anthony's fire.  ergot poisoning, producing either burning pains and eventually gangrene in the limbs or itching skin and convulsions

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Etymology

Origin of ergotism

First recorded in 1850–55; ergot + -ism

Example Sentences

The oldest known case of mycotoxin poisoning is recorded as a disease called ergotism.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2023

It has even been suggested that the Salem witch trials were caused by an outbreak of ergotism that led its victims to hallucinate, though many have disputed this idea.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2023

In animals, the disease is referred to as ergotism.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Although the fungus reduces the yield of cereals, the effects of the ergot’s alkaloid toxins on humans and animals are of much greater significance: In animals, the disease is referred to as ergotism.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

Improvement in the facilities for transportation of food into regions where crops have failed, and the use of special methods for separating the diseased grain from the wholesome have greatly reduced the prevalence of ergotism.

From Food Poisoning by Jordan, Edwin Oakes