ptomaine

noun

Etymology: From French ptomaïne, from Italian ptomaina, from Ancient Greek πτῶμα (ptôma, “corpse”).

1. Any of various amines formed by putrefactive bacteria.

   “On 6 February 2001 the Yaremche Environmental Health Inspectorate (санітарно-епідеміологічна станція) concluded that the cemetery should not have been constructed on the VL [Vorokhtya Lisokombinat] plot in view of its proximity to residential buildings and the risk of contamination of the surrounding environment by ptomaine.”

2. Food poisoning.

   “"There have been cases of ptomaine poisoning from them, haven't there? Mr. Abbott put on a horrified expression.”

   “You remember Leonard Skinner. He got ptomaine poisoning last night after dinner.”