ciguatera

[ see-gwuh-ter-uh, sig-wuh‑ ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

First recorded in 1860–65; from Latin American Spanish, perhaps from Cuban Spanish cigua, from Taíno “sea slug”

For this reason ciguatera is almost confined to the tropics.

The alkaloids produce a disease known as ciguatera, characterized by paralysis and gastric derangements.

Poisonous bacteria may be destroyed by cooking, but the alkaloids which cause ciguatera are unaltered by heat.

The true ciguatera is produced by a specific poisonous alkaloid.

Severe cases of ciguatera with men, as well as with lower animals, may end fatally in a short time.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse