bracken poisoning

noun

variants or bracken staggers

: a disease of livestock caused by eating mature bracken and resulting in loss of appetite, diarrhea, weakness, and knuckling of fetlocks and appearing to be a true avitaminosis in that some unknown factor in the bracken renders certain B-complex vitamins unavailable to the animal

Word History

Etymology

bracken entry 1

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now