Ergotism

ergot + -ism

Full definition of ergotism

Noun

1. The effect of long-term ergot poisoning, traditionally due to the ingestion of the alkaloids produced by the Claviceps purpurea fungus which infects rye and other cereals, and more recently by the action of a number of ergoline-based drugs.

Synonyms

• ergotoxicosis
• Saint Anthony's fire

French ergotisme, from Latin ergo.

Noun

1. A logical deduction.