meaning of ptomaine
1. 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.
2. a term for food poisoning that is no longer in scientific use; food poisoning was once thought to be caused by ingesting ptomaines
Related Words
ptomaine | ptomaine poisoning |
