ptomaine

n a colorless toxic ptomaine with an unpleasant odor formed during the putrefaction of animal tissue

hence, a vital alkaloid, as distinguished from a ptomaine or cadaveric poison.

A toxic alkaloid (ptomaine) obtained from putrid flesh and from herring brines

A poisonous organic base (a ptomaine) formed in the decomposition of protagon with boiling baryta water, and in the putrefraction of proteid matter

food poisoning was once thought to be caused by ingesting ptomaines