n 1 a  :  the black or dark purple sclerotium of fungi of the genus Claviceps that occurs as a club-shaped body which replaces the seed of various grasses (as rye)  b  :  any fungus of the genus Claviceps  2  :  a disease of rye and other cereals caused by fungi of the genus Claviceps and characterized by the presence of ergots in the seed heads - compare ERGOTISM   3 a  :  the dried sclerotial bodies of an ergot fungus grown on rye and containing several ergot alkaloids  b  :  ERGOT ALKALOID er*got*ic adj 
 
   
 
Similar sounding terms:  erect  eruct 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.