lathyrism

 
Pronunciation: /ˈlaθɪrɪz(ə)m/

noun

[mass noun]
  • a tropical disease marked by tremors, muscular weakness, and paraplegia, especially prevalent in South Asia. It is commonly attributed to continued consumption of the seeds of the grass pea.

Origin:

late 19th century: from modern Latin Lathyrus (genus name of various leguminous plants) + -ism