Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun ptomaine

2 senses of ptomaine

Sense 1
ptomaine, ptomain -- (any of various amines (such as putrescine or cadaverine) formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria)
       => amine, aminoalkane -- (a compound derived from ammonia by replacing hydrogen atoms by univalent hydrocarbon radicals)

Sense 2
ptomaine, ptomaine poisoning -- (a term for food poisoning that is no longer in scientific use; food poisoning was once thought to be caused by ingesting ptomaines)
       => food poisoning, gastrointestinal disorder -- (illness caused by poisonous or contaminated food)