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

One initial suspect was domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced by microscopic algae. —Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 29 May 2024

So, too, are tests for domoic acid, which has poisoned large numbers of sea lions in the past, as well as other common pathogens. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024

The domoic acid outbreak during the summer of 2023, which killed hundreds of sea lions and dolphins, is another. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024

The bloom consisted of an overgrowth of pseudo-nitzschia marine algae, which produces the neurotoxin domoic acid. —Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Japanese dōmoi, the alga Chondria armata

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

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