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

The bloom currently wreaking havoc off the coast produces a neurotoxin called domoic acid, which accumulates in small fish like sardines and anchovies. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025

In 2023, more than 1,000 sea lions and over 100 dolphins died from a domoic acid outbreak, scientists said. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025

Small fish and sardines can create domoic acid, and test results showed both the humpback and mink whales had high levels of the neurotoxin in their stomachs and urine, officials said. —Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2025

The California Wildlife Center in late February had advised beachgoers to avoid distressed sea lions in the Malibu area after suspicions that the sea lions were sickened by domoic acid, a toxin deadly to sea mammals, from a recent algal bloom. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 Apr. 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