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

Marine mammals with domoic acid toxicosis often suffer from brain damage and seizures. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Officials said high levels of domoic acid can cause short-term memory loss, seizures and can be fatal in some cases. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

The down low on domoic acid In recent weeks, dozens of sea lions suffering from domoic acid poisoning have turned up on beaches from Monterey County to Sonoma County — and some fear this is only the beginning. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

The domoic acid works its way up the food chain, often in anchovies and sardines, which are then eaten by pelicans, sea lions, whales and other animals. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 15 June 2026

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