ptomaine

ptomaine /pto·maine/ (to´man) (to-man´) any of an indefinite class of toxic bases, usually considered to be formed by the action of bacterial metabolism or proteins.

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pto·maine (tmn, t-mn)

n.

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

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ptomaine

any of an indefinite class of toxic bases, usually considered to be formed by the action of bacterial metabolism on proteins.

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ptomaine poisoning

a term commonly misapplied to food poisoning. Contrary to popular belief, ptomaines are not injurious to the carnivorous or omnivorous digestive systems, which are quite capable of reducing them to harmless substances. Decomposed foods are often responsible for food poisoning, however, because they may harbor certain forms of poison-producing bacteria, especially Clostridium botulinum.