Definition of "ptomain" []

• Any of various amines (such as putrescine or cadaverine) formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria (noun)

WordNet. Princeton University. 2010.

• "When our receptacles are in this condition, why do we add more material for the generation of poisons of the ptomain and leucomain classes, and morbid gaseous elements?"
• "Those of us who can't go out get ptomain poisoning and appendicitis."
• "Here -- in the dilated and obstructed sewer -- the ptomain and leucomain class of poisons, and many of the poisonous germs, led by the king of morbid disturbers, the bacillus coli communis, find another and last chance to be taken up by the absorbing cells of the mucous membrane and returned to the blood; with which they are carried to all parts of the body, clogging the glands, choking up the pores and obstructing the circulation, thereby causing congestion and inflammation of the various organs."