lathyrism

noun lath·y·rism \ ˈla-thə-ˌri-zəm \

Definition of lathyrism

: a neurotoxic disorder chiefly affecting people and domestic animals (such as cows and horses) that is characterized especially by irreversible spastic paralysis of the hind or lower limbs and that results from poisoning by an amino acid found in the seeds of some legumes (genus Lathyrus and especially L. sativus)

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lathyritic

play \ˌla-thə-ˈri-tik\ adjective

Origin and Etymology of lathyrism

New Latin Lathyrus, from Greek lathyros, a type of pea

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1888

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

lathyrism

noun lath·y·rism \ ˈlath-ə-ˌriz-əm \

medical Definition of lathyrism

: a neurotoxic disorder chiefly affecting people and domestic animals (such as cows and horses) that is characterized especially by irreversible spastic paralysis of the hind or lower limbs and that results from poisoning by an amino acid found in some legumes of the genus Lathyrus (especially L. sativus)