Found 2 items, similar to ptomaine.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: ptomaine ptomaine n 1: any of various amines (such as putrescine or cadaverine) formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria [syn: ptomain] 2: a term for food poisoning that is no longer in scientific use; food poisoning was once thought to be caused by ingesting ptomaines [syn: ptomaine poisoning]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Ptomaine Ptomaine \Pto"ma*ine\, n. [From Gr. ? a dead body.] (Physiol. Chem.) One of a class of animal bases or alkaloids formed in the putrefaction of various kinds of albuminous matter, and closely related to the vegetable alkaloids; a cadaveric poison. The ptomaines, as a class, have their origin in dead matter, by which they are to be distinguished from the leucomaines. [1913 Webster]