ptomaine poisoning

noun

: food poisoning caused by bacteria or bacterial products

Examples of ptomaine poisoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Another theory involved ptomaine poisoning, which is caused by bacteria in food, but another physician, Dr. J. W. Irwin, felt strongly that arsenic was the culprit. Steve Wiser, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ptomaine poisoning was in 1888

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Cite this Entry

“Ptomaine poisoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ptomaine%20poisoning. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ptomaine poisoning

noun
: food poisoning caused by bacteria or their products

Medical Definition

ptomaine poisoning

noun
: food poisoning caused by bacteria or bacterial products
not used technically

More from Merriam-Webster on ptomaine poisoning

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