Ergot

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɜːɡət/

Origin

From French ergot, from Old French argot ("spur"), possibly of Transalpine Gaulish origin.

Full definition of ergot

Noun

1. Any fungus in the genus Claviceps which are parasitic on grasses.
2. 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

• ergotamine
• ergotic
• ergotism