ptomaine poisoning

noun

1. (erroneously) food poisoning thought to be caused by ptomaine.

ptomaine poisoning

noun

1. a popular term for food poisoning

Word History and Origins

Origin of ptomaine poisoning¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Word History and Origins

Origin of ptomaine poisoning¹

C19: because ptomaines were once erroneously thought to be a cause of food poisoning

Example Sentences

Frequently ptomaine poisoning occurs in the summer time because of the rapid growth of bacteria.

From Project Gutenberg

Why couldn't the silly thing have had a decent bit of ptomaine poisoning instead of this foolish earache.

From Project Gutenberg

If Mills has ptomaine poisoning, nothing has happened, the doctor said.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the essential point and will prevent ptomaine poisoning.

From Project Gutenberg

Look here, Jackwell, he went on sharply, are you trying to pull some of that ptomaine poisoning stuff again?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• botulism
• salmonella