ergotism

IPA: ˈɝgʌtɪzʌm

The plant disease caused by ergot.
The effect of long-term ergot poisoning, traditionally due to the ingestion of the alkaloids produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea which infects rye and other cereals, and more recently by the action of a number of ergoline-based drugs, consisting of convulsive and gangrenous symptoms.
The use of ergot-infested grain to poison animals.
A logical deduction.

Examples of "ergotism" in Sentences

Ergotism is a condition caused by the ingestion of fungus-contaminated grains, leading to symptoms such as gangrene and hallucinations
Historically, outbreaks of ergotism were often attributed to witchcraft or divine punishment
The Salem witch trials may have been partially influenced by the hallucinations and erratic behavior caused by ergotism
In medieval Europe, ergotism was known as "St. Anthony's Fire" due to the burning sensation in the limbs experienced by those afflicted
Today, ergotism is rare but still occurs in areas where contaminated grains are consumed