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)
Read the Latest from M-W
Origin and Etymology of lathyrism
New Latin Lathyrus, from Greek lathyros, a type of pea
First Known Use: circa 1888
Medical Dictionary
lathyrism
playMedical 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)
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up lathyrism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!