To save this word, you'll need to log in.
pto·maine | \ ˈtō-ˌmān 
, tō-ˈmān \
, tō-ˈmān \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
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for ptomaine
ptomaine
nounpto·maine | \ ˈtō-ˌmān , tō-ˈ \
, 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
Comments on ptomaine
What made you want to look up ptomaine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
February 2020 Words of the Day Quiz
- Which is a synonym of probity?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share ptomaine
Time Traveler for ptomaine
The first known use of ptomaine was in 1880
See more words from the same year