How to pronounce ergotism
Say it like UR-guh-tiz-um. Ergotism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ergotism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UR
- guh
- tiz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ergotism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- URSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- guhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ergotism
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UR-guh-tiz-um.
What does ergotism mean?
- 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.
Where does ergotism come from?
From ergot + -ism.
Questions about saying ergotism
How do you pronounce ergotism?
Say UR-guh-tiz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈɝɡəˌtɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈɜːɡəˌtɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ergotism?
Ergotism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR). Broken into parts: UR · guh · tiz · um.
Is ergotism pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɜːɡəˌtɪzəm/ (UR-guh-tiz-um).