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DictionaryergotCereal fungus
noun

ergot

UR-gut/ˈɝɡʌt/

A fungus that forms toxic masses on cereal grasses.

Ergot infects rye and produces toxic masses in developing grain.

Close botanical view of a rye ear infected with ergot: conspicuous elongated, curved purple-black fungal bodies replace several ordinary kernels and project outward like spurs.
Etymology
ergotOld Frenchcock’s spur

Old French argot meant a cock’s spur. The fungus was named for the spur-like shape it forms on diseased grain; the origin of the spur word itself is unknown.

In context

Bayer Crop Science Canada0:00
getting downgraded from a number one wheat to feed wheat because of fusarium head blight or ergot infection
Cereal Fungicides: The Effects of Ergot in Wheat – Why Use Prosaro® PRO

More examples

  • The farmer checks the rye for ergot before harvest.
  • Grain contaminated with ergot can poison people and livestock.
  • Ergot also infects wild grasses along the field's edge.

Forms

ergot

ergotism noun — Poisoning caused by eating ergot.

Similar words

fungus
A broader term covering ergot, mushrooms, molds, and related organisms.