A chemical compound or alkaloid derived from ergot fungus, or relating to ergot-based compounds.
From 'ergot' (the fungus Claviceps purpurea) plus the chemical suffix '-amine,' indicating a compound containing nitrogen. Ergot compounds were discovered to have powerful pharmacological effects on the body.
Ergot poisoning—called 'ergotism'—caused the Salem Witch Trials, some historians believe: the accusers may have eaten contaminated rye bread that made them hallucinate and convulse, creating the appearance of bewitchment.
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