ptomaine

noun

pto·​maine ˈtō-ˌmān  tō-ˈmān 

: any of various organic bases which are formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria on nitrogenous matter and some of which are poisonous

Word History

Etymology

Italian ptomaina, from Greek ptōma fall, fallen body, corpse, from piptein to fall — more at feather

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ptomaine

• ptomaine poisoning

Kids Definition

ptomaine

noun

pto·​maine ˈtō-ˌmān  tō-ˈmān 

: any of various often poisonous compounds formed by the action of decay-producing bacteria on nitrogen-containing matter (as proteins)

Medical Definition

ptomaine

noun

pto·​maine ˈtō-ˌmān  tō-ˈ 

: any of various organic bases formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria on nitrogenous matter and including some which are poisonous compare leukomaine