1. any of various amines (such as putrescine or cadaverine) formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria • Syn: ptomain • Hypernyms: amine, aminoalkane • Hyponyms: putrescine, cadaverine 2. a term for food poisoning that is no longer in scientific use; food poisoning was once thought to be caused by ingesting ptomaines • Syn: ptomaine poisoning • Hypernyms: food poisoning, gastrointestinal disorder