ergotism

[ur-guh-tiz-uhm]

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.

ergotism

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ergotism¹

First recorded in 1850–55; ergot + -ism

Example Sentences

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

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Chronic poisoning, or ergotism, used frequently to occur amongst the poor fed on rye infected with the Claviceps.

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Thus far the best-known examples of poisoning by the products of micro-organisms are botulism and ergotism.

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Evidently you didn't know, Dr. Blythe, that the first successful isolation of an alkaloid of ergot from the organs in a case of acute ergotism had been made by two Pittsburgh scientists.

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When hay affected with ergot is fed to animals it is productive of a characteristic and serious affection or poisoning known as ergotism.

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