ergot

er·got (ʉr′gət, -gät′)

noun

the hard, reddish-brown or black, grainlike masses (sclerotia) of certain parasitic fungi (esp. genus Claviceps) that replace the kernels of rye or other cereal plants
the disease in which this occurs; specif., the disease of rye caused by a species (Claviceps purpurea) of this fungus
the dried sclerotia of the rye fungus from which several alkaloids are extracted that have the ability to contract blood vessels and smooth muscle tissue
any of these alkaloids

Etymology: Fr < OFr argot, a rooster's spur, hence (from the shape) the disease growth in the plant

er·got′ic (ʉr gät′ik) adjective

Preposition: of

rye: The remarkable effect of the ergot of rye in restraining these losses lends color to the idea.

Modifies a noun

alkaloid: Ergot alkaloids The ergot alkaloids have been used to treat migraine attacks for over 50 years.
poisoning: Until quite recently, outbreaks of ergot poisoning approaching epidemic proportions were recorded in most European countries including certain areas of Russia.
fungus: Finally, another molecule, derived from the ergot fungus, methysergide ( Alliance ), has some use in migraine prevention.
derivative: The mechanism of action of the ergot derivatives is probably related to their 5-HT agonist effects.
contamination: Should ergot contamination of the crop occur the crop would be valueless.

Noun used with modifier

rye: One of the earliest uses of biological weapons occurred in the 6th century BC when the Assyrians poisoned enemy wells with rye ergot.
fungus: Another lupine connection is the fungus ergot, which is particularly associated with rye.

Browse dictionary entries near ergot