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ergotism

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ergotism /er·got·ism/ (er´go-tizm) chronic poisoning produced by ingestion of ergot, marked by cerebrospinal symptoms, spasms, cramps, or by a kind of dry gangrene.
er·got·ism (ûrg-tzm)
n.
Poisoning caused by consuming ergot-infected grain or grain products, or from excessive use of drugs containing ergot.

ergotism
[ur′gətiz′əm]
Etymology: L, argota, a grain fungus
1 an acute or chronic disease caused by excessive dosages of medications containing ergot. Symptoms may include cerebrospinal manifestations such as spasms, cramps, and dry gangrene.
2 a chronic disease caused by ingestion of cereal products made with rye flour contaminated by ergot fungus.

ergotism
see rye ergot1.

ergotism
A condition caused by an excess of ergot compounds, derived from Claviceps purpura, resulting in intense vasoconstriction and gangrene of extremities


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typhus, measles, smallpox, bubonic plague, ergotism, or an unknown disease.
Ergotism was associated with the growth of rye, particularly in cool climates that cannot support wheat, and was implicated in the aberrant human behavior responsible at least in part for the Salem witch trials and St.
 
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