ergot alkaloids
Look at other dictionaries:
Ergot — could be called a cereal killer for it comes from cereals such as rye and wheat and is quite capable of killing someone. A fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that contaminates rye and wheat produces substances (alkaloids) termed ergotamines. Ergotamines … Medical dictionary
Ergot — This article is about the fungi. For the part of a horse s hoof, see Ergot (horse anatomy). Ergot Claviceps purpurea Scientific classification Kingdom … Wikipedia
ergot — [ʉr′gət, ʉrgät΄] n. [Fr < OFr argot, a rooster s spur, hence (from the shape) the disease growth in the plant] 1. the hard, reddish brown or black, grainlike masses (sclerotia) of certain parasitic fungi (esp. genus Claviceps) that replace the … English World dictionary
ergot alkaloid — n any of a group of alkaloids found in ergot or produced synthetically that include the psychedelic drug LSD as well as numerous pharmacologically useful compounds (as ergonovine and ergotamine) noted esp. for their contractile effect on smooth… … Medical dictionary
ergot — noun Etymology: French, literally, cock s spur Date: 1683 1. the black or dark purple sclerotium of fungi (genus Claviceps) that occurs as a club shaped body replacing the seed of a grass (as rye); also a fungus bearing ergots 2. a disease of rye … New Collegiate Dictionary
ergot — [ ə:gɒt] noun 1》 a fungal disease of rye and other cereals, forming black elongated fruiting bodies which are a source of various medicinal alkaloids. 2》 a small horny protuberance on the back of a horse s fetlock. Origin C17: from Fr., from OFr … English new terms dictionary
ergot — n. a fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that grows on rye. It produces several important alkaloids, chemically related to LSD, including ergotamine and ergometrine, which are used in medicine in the treatment of migraine and in childbirth. Eating bread… … The new mediacal dictionary
ergot — er•got [[t]ˈɜr gət, gɒt[/t]] n. 1) ppa a) a disease of rye and other cereal grasses, caused by a fungus of the genus Claviceps, esp. C. purpurea, which replaces the affected grain with a long, hard, blackish sclerotial body b) ppa the sclerotial… … From formal English to slang
ergot — /ˈɜgət/ (say erguht), / gɒt/ (say got) noun 1. any fungus of the genus Claviceps which causes a disease of rye and other grasses, resulting in the replacement of the seed with a long, hard, horn like, dark coloured sclerotium. 2. the disease… …
Ergot — This fungus, of the genus Claviceps, grows in the seeds of grasses, such as Rye. When infected seeds, or items made from them, are eaten, alkaloids in the fungus causes contractions of the smooth muscles (convulsions) and hallucinations. It … The writer's dictionary of science fiction, fantasy, horror and mythology