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Webster 1913 Edition
Ptomaine
Pto′ma-ine
,Noun.
[From Gr. [GREEK] 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.
Definition 2024
ptomaine
ptomaine
See also: ptomaïne
English
Alternative forms
Noun
ptomaine (plural ptomaines)
- (chemistry) Any of various amines formed by putrefactive bacteria.
- (dated) food poisoning
- 1989, Margaret Atwood, Cat's Eye:
- Sandwiches arrived from outside, strange granular bread, the butter on it liquid, some sort of beige meat paste that hinted at ptomaine.
- 1989, Margaret Atwood, Cat's Eye:
Translations
any of various amines formed by putrefactive bacteria