Dictionary

ptomaine

noun pto·maine \ˈtō-ˌmān, tō-ˈ\

Definition of PTOMAINE

:  any of various organic bases which are formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria on nitrogenous matter and some of which are poisonous
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Origin of PTOMAINE

Italian ptomaina, from Greek ptōma fall, fallen body, corpse, from piptein to fall — more at feather
First Known Use: 1880
Medical Dictionary

ptomaine

noun pto·maine \ˈtō-ˌmān, tō-ˈ\

Medical Definition of PTOMAINE

:  any of various organic bases formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria on nitrogenous matter and including some which are poisonous—compare leukomaine

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Next Word in the Dictionary: ptomaine poisoningPrevious Word in the Dictionary: PtolemaistAll Words Near: ptomaine
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