noun
ptomaine
TOH-mayn/tˈoʊmeɪn/
A substance formed during protein decay, formerly blamed for food poisoning.
Putrescine, the ptomaine in this historic sample, forms during protein decay.
Etymology
Ptomaina was coined from Greek ptōma, 'corpse,' on the notion of poison produced in decaying matter. This association with decay underlies the compound's former, mistaken reputation as a cause of food poisoning.
In context
On his 18th birthday, he died of ptomaine poisoning, which is what we would know as food poisoning today.
More examples
- Older medical books blame ptomaines for illness after eating spoiled food.
- The laboratory tests the decaying tissue for ptomaines.
- People once called food poisoning "ptomaine poisoning."
Forms
ptomaine · ptomaines
Similar words
- amine
- Broader chemical class; not all amines form during protein decay.