English noun: ptomaine | |||
1. | ptomaine (substance) any of various amines (such as putrescine or cadaverine) formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria | ||
Synonyms | ptomain | ||
Broader (hypernym) | amine, aminoalkane | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | cadaverine, putrescine | ||
2. | ptomaine (state) a term for food poisoning that is no longer in scientific use; food poisoning was once thought to be caused by ingesting ptomaines | ||
Synonyms | ptomaine poisoning | ||
Broader (hypernym) | food poisoning, gastrointestinal disorder | ||