Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Ergot
Er′got
,Noun.
[F.
ergot
, argot
, lit., a spur.] 1.
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
. 2.
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.
3.
(Far.)
A stub, like soft horn, about the size of a chestnut, situated behind and below the pastern joint.
Webster 1828 Edition
Ergot
ERGOT
,Noun.
1.
A morbid excrescence in grain; a dark colored shoot, often an inch long, from the ears of grain, particularly of rye.Definition 2024
ergot
ergot
English
Barley grain with ergots (sclerotia of Claviceps purpurea)
Noun
ergot (plural ergots)
- Any fungus in the genus Claviceps which are parasitic on grasses.
- The sclerotium (wintering stage) of certain fungi in the genus Claviceps, appearing as a deformed grain in certain cereals and grasses infected by the fungi.
Derived terms
Translations
any fungus of the genus Claviceps
deformed grain
See also
References
- ergot in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
French
Etymology
From Old French argot, possibly from a Transalpine Gaulish radical arg (“pointed thing”).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ɛʁ.ɡo/
Noun
ergot m (plural ergots)
- spur of a male member of Galliformes
- ergot