ETYM From Greek ptoma a dead body.
Any of various amines (such as putrescine or cadaverine) formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria; SYN. ptomain.
Poisonous alkaloid in decaying matter.
Any of a group of toxic chemical substances (alkaloids) produced as a result of decomposition by bacterial action on proteins.
Ptomaine is not the relevant factor in “food poisoning”, which is usually caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella.