n. 1 a disease of rye and other cereals caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea. 2 a this fungus. b the dried spore-containing structures of this, used as a medicine to aid childbirth.
[ F f. OF argot cock's spur, from the appearance produced ]
n. 1 a disease of rye and other cereals caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea. 2 a this fungus. b the dried spore-containing structures of this, used as a medicine to aid childbirth.
[ F f. OF argot cock's spur, from the appearance produced ]
Concise Oxford English dictionary. Краткий оксфордский словарь английского языка. 2012