domoic acid

noun

do·​mo·​ic acid də-ˈmō-ik- How to pronounce domoic acid (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On one Sunday earlier this year, 16 dead dolphins were collected from San Diego-area beaches, a majority of whom later tested positive for high levels of domoic acid. Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025 Algae with domoic acid is sometimes called red tide. Carter Evans, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2025 Ingesting domoic acid can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning in humans and marine mammals, according to the Marine Mammal Care Center. Megan Forrester, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2025 While some pinnipeds have been successfully treated and released, domoic acid poisoning is almost always fatal for dolphins. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for domoic acid

Word History

Etymology

Japanese dōmoi, the alga Chondria armata

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of domoic acid was in 1982

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Cite this Entry

“Domoic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domoic%20acid. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

domoic acid

noun
do·​mo·​ic acid də-ˈmō-ik- How to pronounce domoic acid (audio)
: 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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