ergot

Meaning

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.
3. The wart-like growth of skin that covers the metacarpal pad on a horse or similar animal.

Synonyms

smut

Claviceps purpurea

mildew

blight

spur

rye smut

fungus

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈəːɡət/

Etymology

Borrowed from French ergot.