ptomaine
Ptomaine (noun) means a nitrogen compound produced when bacteria break down dead organic matter. Example: “The chemist described ptomaines as compounds produced when bacteria break down dead tissue.”
How to use ptomaine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA chemical compound made by bacteria as they decompose organic matter.
As a chemistry term it is technical, and the everyday phrase "ptomaine poisoning" now sounds old-fashioned.
The p at the start is silent, so say it as if it were spelled "tomain."
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The chemist described _____ as compounds produced when bacteria break down dead tissue.
Etymology
English took the word from French ptomaïne, which came from Italian ptomaina. The Italian word goes back to the Ancient Greek ptôma, meaning "corpse."
