ergot
/ˈɜrɡət/
noun
- A fungus that grows on rye and other grains, producing toxic chemicals that can cause poisoning if eaten.
- Ergot appears as dark, hard growths on the heads of cereal plants.
- In the Middle Ages, eating bread made from ergot-infected flour caused strange symptoms.
- Farmers check their rye crops for ergot to prevent contamination of the grain.
- A drug made from this fungus, used in medicine to help with migraines or to control bleeding after childbirth.
- The medicine contains a purified form of ergot to reduce side effects.
- Doctors sometimes prescribe ergot to treat severe migraine headaches.
- Ergot has been used for centuries to help women recover after giving birth.