locoism

noun lo·co·ism \ ˈlō-(ˌ)kō-ˌi-zəm \

Definition of locoism

: a disease usually of horses, cattle, and sheep that is caused by chronic poisoning with locoweeds

First Known Use of locoism

1900

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

locoism

noun lo·co·ism \ ˈlō-kō-ˌiz-əm \

medical Definition of locoism

1 : a disease of horses, cattle, and sheep caused by chronic poisoning with locoweeds and characterized by motor and sensory nerve damage resulting in peculiarities of gait, impairment of vision, lassitude or extreme excitement, emaciation, and ultimately paralysis and death if not controlled

2 : any of several intoxications of domestic animals (as selenosis) that are sometimes mistaken for locoweed poisoning