noun
- A ptomaine or organic compound produced by the decomposition of animal tissue, especially during putrefaction.
Usage: chemistry; biochemistry; technical
Examples
- Neurine is one of several alkaloid compounds that form when proteins break down.
- The presence of neurine in decomposing tissue was studied by early biochemists.
- Neurine and other ptomaines were once thought to be the primary cause of food poisoning.
- The formation of neurine occurs during the putrefaction of animal matter.