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

In the first half of the year, thousands of sea lions and dolphins stranded along beaches in Southern California, many found dead, poisoned by domoic acid created by toxic algae. —Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025

In the waters from Oregon to the Sonoma/Mendocino line, state health officials determined that high levels of a toxin called domoic acid would pose a public health risk, hence the order banning recreational crabbing until further notice. —Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025

Due to the domoic acid poisoning, the sea lion had to be euthanized, officials said. —Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2025

Species such as seabirds, sea lions and dolphins have been impacted by elevated levels of the neurotoxic domoic acid produced by the algae blooms in the region. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 21 July 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