| ptomatine | <physiology> One of a class of animal bases or alkaloids formed in the putrefaction of various kinds of albuminous matter, and closely related to the vegetable alkaloids; a cadaveric poison. The ptomaines, as a class, have their origin in dead matter, by which they are to be distinguished from the leucomaines. Origin: From Gr. A dead body. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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