noun
- Plural of ergot; a fungal disease of rye and other grains, or the dark fungal bodies produced by this disease.
- Plural of ergot; a projection or spur on the leg of a horse or other animal, especially on the hind leg.
Usage: agriculture; botany
Usage: veterinary; equestrian
Examples
- The farmer discovered ergots contaminating his rye crop.
- Ergots on grain can produce toxic alkaloids if consumed.
- The horse's ergots were visible on its hind legs.
- Medieval bread made from grain infected with ergots caused serious illness.
- Veterinarians examine horses' ergots as part of routine hoof care.
- Ergots are small, hardened growths found on the fetlock area of horses.