ergot

Barley grain with ergots (sclerotia of Claviceps purpurea)

Meaning

Noun

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

Origin

  • Borrowed from French ergot.

Modern English dictionary

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