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 first animal that came into SeaWorld San Diego showing domoic acid poisoning symptoms arrived in mid-February.
—
Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
In addition to fire contamination, California’s sea life is also under threat from an outbreak of domoic acid, a neurotoxin released by some marine algae species.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Now, about four weeks after centers started reporting the unseasonably early bloom produced by a species of marine plankton filled with a neurotoxin called domoic acid, Warner is asking for more help from local governments in Los Angeles County.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 20 Mar. 2025
Some species of phytoplankton produce domoic acid, which then accumulates in filter-feeding fish and shellfish.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
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Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
In addition to fire contamination, California’s sea life is also under threat from an outbreak of domoic acid, a neurotoxin released by some marine algae species.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Now, about four weeks after centers started reporting the unseasonably early bloom produced by a species of marine plankton filled with a neurotoxin called domoic acid, Warner is asking for more help from local governments in Los Angeles County.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 20 Mar. 2025
Some species of phytoplankton produce domoic acid, which then accumulates in filter-feeding fish and shellfish.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for domoic acid
Cite this Entry
“Domoic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domoic%20acid. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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