ptomaine

[ toh-meyn, toh-meyn ]

noun

1. any of a class of foul-smelling nitrogenous substances produced by bacteria during putrefaction of animal or plant protein: formerly thought to be toxic.

ptomaine

/ ˈtəʊmeɪn /

noun

1. any of a group of amines, such as cadaverine or putrescine, formed by decaying organic matter

ptomaine

/ tō′mān′ /

1. Any of various toxic nitrogenous organic compounds produced by bacterial decomposition of protein, especially in dead animal tissue. Ptomaines are bases and are formed by removing the carboxyl group (COOH) from amino acids. They do not cause food poisoning, as was previously thought, but the term ptomaine poisoning is still used to describe food poisoning caused by bacteria.

Other Words From

• pto·mainic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ptomaine¹

1875–80; < Italian ptomaina < Greek ptôma corpse + Italian -ina -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of ptomaine¹

C19: from Italian ptomaina, from Greek ptoma corpse, from piptein to fall

Example Sentences

Frequently ptomaine poisoning occurs in the summer time because of the rapid growth of bacteria.

From Project Gutenberg

Left alone, Warble proceeded systematically to examine the interior of Ptomaine Haul.

From Project Gutenberg

He kissed her in his eccentric fashion, and with her plump arms about his neck, she forgot all about Ptomaine Street.

From Project Gutenberg

Why couldn't the silly thing have had a decent bit of ptomaine poisoning instead of this foolish earache.

From Project Gutenberg

Still I think he has made a bad exchange, for Mrs. Ptomaine wont last.

From Project Gutenberg