Wiktionary
n. an algal bloom of sufficient quantity to cause discoloration (often red) in a body of water; red tides can potentially cause irritation or death to exposed creatures
WordNet
n. seawater that is discolored by large numbers of certain dinoflagellates that produce saxitoxin
Wikipedia
Red tide is a common name for a phenomenon known as an algal bloom (large concentrations of aquatic microorganisms) when it is caused by a few species of dinoflagellates and the bloom takes on a red or brown color. Red tides are events in which estuarine, marine, or fresh water algae accumulate rapidly in the water column, resulting in coloration of the surface water. It is usually found in coastal areas. It kills many manatees every year.
These algae, known as phytoplankton, are single-celled protists, plant-like organisms that can form dense, visible patches near the water's surface. Certain species of phytoplankton, dinoflagellates, contain photosynthetic pigments that vary in color from green to brown to red.
When the algae are present in high concentrations, the water appears to be discolored or murky, varying in color from purple to almost pink, normally being red or green. Not all algal blooms are dense enough to cause water discoloration, and not all discolored waters associated with algal blooms are red. Additionally, red tides are not typically associated with tidal movement of water, hence the preference among scientists to use the term algal bloom.
Some red tides are associated with the production of natural toxins, depletion of dissolved oxygen or other harmful effects, and are generally described as harmful algal blooms. The most conspicuous effects of these kinds of red tides are the associated wildlife mortalities of marine and coastal species of fish, birds, marine mammals, and other organisms.
Red Tide was formed in 1992 by guitarist/vocalist Jeff Wu, bassist Jeff Bennett, and drummer Justin Foley. Originally they started out primarily as a thrash metal band. In those early high school days they released 3 demos of pure hardcore/thrash metal. Red Tide went on to play the Simsbury High School Battle of the Bands in which they won 1st place. Noted as the first "real" metal band to play the event and the first band to play their own material vs covers.
In 1995 Red Tide took a turn in their musical direction. This was the time they began to experiment with jazz and fusion. This brought the departure of Jeff Bennett and introduction of Andy Dickins on bass. The new line up began to write music with an emphasis of jazz fusion thrown in. They went on to record one demo entitled "Expressions" which showcased their new eclectic style.
In 1996 Red Tide recruited Ian Kauffman on guitars. Now making the line up a 4 piece. They continued to incorporate jazz fusion into their brand of aggressive style of metal and went into the studio to record another demo entitled "Hybrid".
In 1997 Red Tide went into the studio to record their first full length "Themes of the Cosmic Consciousness". This was a self-financed independent CD release. It gained in popularity through the help of the internet. In 1998 Andy Dickins leaves the band to pursue other interests.
Finally in 2001 Red Tide released their last effort "Type II". This included Blue on bass. Shortly after this release Red Tide disbanded in 2002.
Usage examples of "red tide".
From heading the project to raise the Titanic to discovering the long-lost artifacts from the Alexandria Library to stopping a red tide in the oceans that would have ultimately decimated life on earth, during the past fifteen years the subject was directly responsible for operations that either saved a great many lives or were of inestimable benefit to archaeology or the environment.
Then a red tide of anger ran up his face, chasing away the pallor.
In silent heaps lay war-horses and their steel-clad riders, flowing manes and blowing plumes stained alike in the red tide.
The king stumbled into her arms, a sheet of blood creeping down the front of his armor, a dark red tide that drowned his green and gold.
After the red tide epidemic is contained, he and Gunn are nominated for a Nobel Prize but do not win.
What Chapman believes is causing the proliferation of red tide off the coast of Africa.
The street noises had become quite loud, Baruk noted, as he leaned close to the map to paint the red tide's southern border.
Howard could sweep the reader away on a red tide of bloodlust to lost cities, unexplored jungles and savage pirate galleons, where all a brave man needed was a sharp sword in his hand and a beautiful woman by his side to face whatever hideous horror or supernatural menace confronted him.
I was aware, somehow, sometime, of hands shaking my shoulders and Joscelin's presence, fearful and urgent, his hair streaming across the rising red tide of my vision as he shook me, sun-streaked wheat lashing a bloody haze.