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Noun: ptomaine  'tow,meyn
  1. Any of various amines (such as putrescine or cadaverine) formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria
    "The presence of ptomaines can indicate food spoilage";
    - ptomain
     
  2. A term for food poisoning that is no longer in scientific use; food poisoning was once thought to be caused by ingesting ptomaines
    "In the past, people often blamed ptomaine poisoning for foodborne illnesses";
    - ptomaine poisoning

Derived forms: ptomaines

Type of: amine, aminoalkane, food poisoning, gastrointestinal disorder

Encyclopedia: Ptomaine