ergot

noun

• 1 [mass noun] a fungal disease of rye and other cereals in which black elongated fruiting bodies grow in the ears of the cereal. Eating contaminated food can result in ergotism.

  • The fungus is Claviceps purpurea, subdivision Ascomycotina
• the fruiting bodies of the ergot fungus, used as a source of certain medicinal alkaloids, especially for inducing uterine contractions or controlling post-partum bleeding.

• 2a small horny protuberance on the back of each of a horse’s fetlocks.