ERGOTIZE Meaning and
Definition
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Ergotize is a term that refers to the act or process of being affected by ergot poisoning. Ergot, scientifically known as Claviceps purpurea, is a type of fungus that commonly infects rye and other cereal grains. The fungus produces a toxic compound called ergotamine, which can cause a condition known as ergotism when ingested by humans or animals.
Ergotism is characterized by a range of symptoms that can vary depending on the type and amount of ergot alkaloids consumed. There are two main forms of ergotism: convulsive and gangrenous. Convulsive ergotism is associated with symptoms such as hallucinations, muscle pain, spasms, and seizures. Gangrenous ergotism, on the other hand, results in the constriction of blood vessels, leading to tissue damage, especially in the extremities. This can manifest as dry gangrene, in which the affected tissue dies and becomes blackened.
In historical contexts, ergotism outbreaks occurred during times when rye was a staple crop and poor harvest conditions led to increased fungal contamination. These outbreaks were often referred to as "St. Anthony's Fire" due to the associated burning sensation experienced by affected individuals.
The term "ergotize" describes the state or occurrence of being affected by ergot poisoning. It emphasizes the impact of ergot alkaloids on human or animal health, and the subsequent manifestation of symptoms associated with ergotism.
Etymology of ERGOTIZE
The word "ergotize" does not have a well-established etymology as it is a relatively rare and specialized term. However, it can be understood by analyzing its components.
The word consists of two parts: "ergot" and "-ize".
1. Ergot: Ergot is a fungus called Claviceps purpurea that can infect cereal crops, particularly rye. It produces toxic alkaloids and has been historically associated with the condition known as "ergotism" or "Saint Anthony's Fire". Ergotism can cause hallucinations, gangrene, and other severe symptoms.
2. -ize: The suffix "-ize" is derived from the Greek "-izo" and is commonly used to form verbs indicating the act or process of making or becoming something. For example, "vocalize" means to make vocal, "synthesize" means to combine or produce something artificially.
Conjugate verb Ergotize
CONDITIONAL
I
would ergotize
you
would ergotize
he/she/it
would ergotize
we
would ergotize
they
would ergotize
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be ergotizing
you
would be ergotizing
he/she/it
would be ergotizing
we
would be ergotizing
they
would be ergotizing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have ergotize
you
would have ergotize
he/she/it
would have ergotize
we
would have ergotize
they
would have ergotize
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been ergotizing
you
would have been ergotizing
he/she/it
would have been ergotizing
we
would have been ergotizing
they
would have been ergotizing
FUTURE
I
will ergotize
you
will ergotize
he/she/it
will ergotize
we
will ergotize
they
will ergotize
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be ergotizing
you
will be ergotizing
he/she/it
will be ergotizing
we
will be ergotizing
they
will be ergotizing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have ergotized
you
will have ergotized
he/she/it
will have ergotized
we
will have ergotized
they
will have ergotized
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been ergotizing
you
will have been ergotizing
he/she/it
will have been ergotizing
we
will have been ergotizing
they
will have been ergotizing
IMPERATIVE
you
ergotize
we
let´s ergotize
to ergotize
PAST
I
ergotized
you
ergotized
he/she/it
ergotized
we
ergotized
they
ergotized
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was ergotizing
you
were ergotizing
he/she/it
was ergotizing
we
were ergotizing
they
were ergotizing
PAST PARTICIPLE
ergotized
PAST PERFECT
I
had ergotized
you
had ergotized
he/she/it
had ergotized
we
had ergotized
they
had ergotized
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been ergotizing
you
had been ergotizing
he/she/it
had been ergotizing
we
had been ergotizing
they
had been ergotizing
PRESENT
I
ergotize
you
ergotize
he/she/it
ergotizes
we
ergotize
they
ergotize
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am ergotizing
you
are ergotizing
he/she/it
is ergotizing
we
are ergotizing
they
are ergotizing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
ergotizing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have ergotized
you
have ergotized
he/she/it
has ergotized
we
have ergotized
they
have ergotized
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been ergotizing
you
have been ergotizing
he/she/it
has been ergotizing
we
have been ergotizing
they
have been ergotizing
