domoic acid
noun
do·mo·ic acid
| \ də-ˈmō-ik-
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Definition of domoic acid
: 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
For instance, fish and shellfish can eat algae that produce the toxin domoic acid. — Stephanie De Marco, Los Angeles Times, "Everything you need to know about toxic algae blooms," 14 Aug. 2019 Some of these blooms can be harmless, because not all produce the toxin domoic acid. — Jenny Howard, National Geographic, "Red tides, explained," 5 July 2019 Animals with domoic acid poisoning often suffer disorientation, brain damage, seizures and even death. — Fox News, "California teen bitten by sea lion in 'rare' attack officials believe linked to poisoning," 20 June 2019 Then, in early December the pseudo-nitzschia also showed up in Casco Bay, leading to unsafe levels of domoic acid. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Toxic Algae Closes Important Maine Shellfish Region," 6 Jan. 2018 Upon admission and examination by the veterinary staff at the Marine Mammal Center, Otto was diagnosed with domoic acid toxicosis. — Saryn Chorney, PEOPLE.com, "These Adorable Otters Want You to Celebrate Sea Otter Awareness Week," 27 Sep. 2017 The area from Bandon (including the Coquille estuary) south to California remains closed to recreational crabbing, both in bays and ocean, because of high levels of domoic acid. — Bill Monroe, OregonLive.com, "Fewer, larger stocked trout meant to please just as many anglers," 9 Dec. 2017 These elevated levels of domoic acid are already starting to affect the seafood business. — Danny Lewis, Smithsonian, "Warming Oceans Could Make These Seafood Favorites Toxic," 11 Jan. 2017 State test show the crabs have unsafe levels of domoic acid, which can cause anything from gastrointestinal symptoms to death. — Lynne Terry, OregonLive.com, "Downed tree blocks section of Siletz River," 1 Nov. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'domoic acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for domoic acid
domoic acid
noun
do·mo·ic acid
| \ də-ˈmō-ik-
\
\
Medical Definition of domoic acid
: 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