ergotism

/ɛrˈɡoʊtɪzəm/

Definitions

1. noun

a disease caused by eating grain infected with the fungus Claviceps purpurea, especially rye, characterized by gangrene of the toes and fingers, hallucinations, and other neurological symptoms

“The villagers suffered from ergotism after consuming contaminated rye bread during the harvest season.”

Synonyms

  • Claviceps poisoning
  • ergot poisoning