/ˈəːɡət/, /ˈəːɡɒt/, /ˈəɹɡət/
OriginBorrowed from French ergot.
- countable, uncountableAny fungus in the genus Claviceps which are parasitic on grasses.
- countable, uncountableThe sclerotium (wintering stage) of certain fungi in the genus Claviceps, appearing as a deformed grain in certain cereals and grasses infected by the fungi.
“Ergot first appeared on the stage of history in the early Middle Ages, as the cause of outbreaks of mass poisonings affecting thousands of persons at a time. The illness, whose connection with ergot w”
- countable, uncountableThe wart-like growth of skin that covers the metacarpal pad on a horse or similar animal.
“Since the text was in type, Mr. R. I. Pocock has pointed out (The Field, Jan. 20, 1912, p. 143) that the aperture of a scent-gland situated on the posterior aspect of the hind-foot of the Indian rhino”
“It is crossed medially and laterally by the ligament of the ergot (not shown), that, subcutaneously, connects the ergot with the hoof cartilage.”
“Place the end of a length of string at the fetlock joint (near the ergot, the tubular growth on the back of the fetlock joint, hidden within the hair tuft).”
Formsergots(plural)