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Ergot: meaning, definitions and examples

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ergot

 

[ หˆษœหrษกษ™t ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ergot

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคเคฐเฅเค—เฅ‹เคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ergot

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ergot

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะตั€ะณะพั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ergot

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚จใƒซใ‚ดใƒƒใƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ergot

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ergot

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ergot

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์—๋ฅด๊ณ ํŠธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฅุฑุฌูˆุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ergot

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ergot

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้บฆ่ง’

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ergot

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ ergot

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตั€ะณะพั‚ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ”แƒ แƒ’แƒแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ergot

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ergot

Word origin

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.