Ergot: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
ergot
[ หษหrษกษt ]
fungal disease
Ergot is a fungal disease that affects cereal grains, particularly rye. The fungus, known scientifically as Claviceps purpurea, produces alkaloids that are toxic to humans and animals. Consumption of ergot-infected grains can lead to ergotism, which was historically known as 'St. Anthony's Fire', causing severe symptoms including hallucinations and gangrene.
Synonyms
Claviceps purpurea, fungal infection, rye disease
Examples of usage
- Farmers must monitor their crops for signs of ergot.
- The outbreak of ergot led to a public health crisis.
- Historical records describe the effects of ergot on communities.
- Ergot alkaloids are used in medicine to treat certain conditions.
Translations
Translations of the word "ergot" in other languages:
๐ต๐น ergot
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฐเฅเคเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช Ergot
๐ฎ๐ฉ ergot
๐บ๐ฆ ะตัะณะพั
๐ต๐ฑ ergot
๐ฏ๐ต ใจใซใดใใ
๐ซ๐ท ergot
๐ช๐ธ ergot
๐น๐ท ergot
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ฅด๊ณ ํธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฅุฑุฌูุช
๐จ๐ฟ ergot
๐ธ๐ฐ ergot
๐จ๐ณ ้บฆ่ง
๐ธ๐ฎ ergot
๐ฎ๐ธ ergot
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะตัะณะพัะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ergot
๐ฒ๐ฝ ergot
Etymology
The word 'ergot' comes from the Middle French 'ergot', meaning 'spurred grain', which is a reference to the spore-producing structures of the fungus that resemble a spur on a grain seed. Its usage dates back to the 15th century when the effects of the fungus on rye were first documented. The term gained prominence during the Middle Ages, particularly during outbreaks of ergotism, which were often devastating to affected populations. The association of ergot with society extended to its medicinal uses; the compounds extracted from the fungus have been used in various medical applications, including the treatment of migraines and postpartum hemorrhage. Thus, 'ergot' holds not only agricultural significance but also a complex historical role in health and medicine.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #23,111, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 23108 choreography
- 23109 persecuting
- 23110 quadrilateral
- 23111 ergot
- 23112 forwarder
- 23113 shanty
- 23114 insinuate
- ...