ptomaine
noun
pto·maine ˈtō-ˌmān 
tō-ˈmān
tō-ˈmān : any of various organic bases which are formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria on nitrogenous matter and some of which are poisonous
Word History
Etymology
Italian ptomaina, from Greek ptōma fall, fallen body, corpse, from piptein to fall — more at feather
First Known Use
1880, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing ptomaine
Medical Definition
ptomaine
noun
pto·maine ˈtō-ˌmān tō-ˈ
tō-ˈ : any of various organic bases formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria on nitrogenous matter and including some which are poisonous compare leukomaine