ptomaine

(tō′mān′)

noun

any of a class of alkaloid substances, some of which are poisonous, formed in decaying animal or vegetable matter by bacterial action on proteins

Origin: It ptomaina < Gr ptōma, corpse < piptein, to fall: see feather

See ptomaine in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A basic nitrogenous organic compound produced by bacterial putrefaction of protein.

Origin:

Origin: Italian ptomaina

Origin: , from Greek ptōma, corpse

Origin: , from piptein, ptō-, to fall; see pet- in Indo-European roots

Learn more about ptomaine

ptomaine medical definition

ptomaine science

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD