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

Some species of phytoplankton produce domoic acid, which then accumulates in filter-feeding fish and shellfish. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025

In the last four years, at least four domoic acid events have occurred along the Central and Southern California coasts. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025

Ingesting domoic acid can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning in humans and marine mammals, according to the Marine Mammal Care Center. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025

Threat level: There's been an uptick in rescues in Southern California in recent weeks, particularly with cases of domoic acid toxicosis in sea lions and dolphins, Smith said. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 19 Mar. 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