# ergot

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈəːɡət/ · frequency rank #85,229

## Definitions
1. Any fungus in the genus Claviceps which are parasitic on grasses.
2. The sclerotium (wintering stage) of certain fungi in the genus Claviceps, appearing as a deformed grain in certain cereals and grasses infected by the fungi.
3. The wart-like growth of skin that covers the metacarpal pad on a horse or similar animal.

## Etymology
Borrowed from French ergot.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/ergot