lathyrism Path.
(ˈlæθɪrɪz(ə)m)
[f. lathyr-us, + -ism.]
A condition produced by the use as food of the seeds of some species of the genus Lathyrus. It is characterized by formication, tremors, convulsive movements, and paraplegia.
| 1888 in Syd. Soc. Lex. 1897 Allbutt's Syst. Med. II. 461 A paralytic affection called lathyrism, resulting from the use of a dal prepared from a lentil—Lathyrus sativus, prevails extensively in upper and Central India. |