domoic acid

noun

do·​mo·​ic acid də-ˈmō-ik- 

: a neurotoxin C₁₅H₂₁NO₆ that is produced by some diatoms (especially genus Pseudo-nitzschia) and has caused poisoning in vertebrates (such as sea lions, birds, and humans) that have consumed diatom-contaminated fish or shellfish

Examples of domoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Officials said the bloom produced by a species of marine plankton filled with a neurotoxin called domoic acid is considered an anomaly this time of year. —Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 28 Feb. 2025

Harmful algae blooms have sprouted before Other incidents of domoic acid have occurred on the California coasts before. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025

In its toxic form, domoic acid damages the brain and heart, even in low doses, the California Wildlife Center warned. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2025

The species can suffer domoic acid poisoning from consuming contaminated fish. —Brooke Baitinger, Sacramento Bee, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese dōmoi, the alga Chondria armata

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for domoic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

domoic acid

noun

do·​mo·​ic acid də-ˈmō-ik- 

: a neurotoxin analog C₁₅H₂₁NO₆ of glutamic acid that is produced chiefly by marine diatoms (as Pseudo-nitzschia australis and Pseudo-nitzschia pungens) and has caused poisoning in sea mammals and birds and amnesic shellfish poisoning in humans who have consumed contaminated fish or shellfish