ergotism

[ ur-guh-tiz-uhm ]

nounPathology.
  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.

Origin of ergotism

1
First recorded in 1850–55; ergot + -ism

Words Nearby ergotism

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How to use ergotism in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ergotism

ergotism

/ (ˈɜːɡəˌtɪzəm) /


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

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