melanin
noun
mel·a·nin
ˈme-lə-nən 
plural melanins
: any of various black, brown, reddish-brown, reddish-yellow, or yellow pigments of living organisms that in animals are typically produced in melanocytes by the oxidation of tyrosine followed by polymerization and are found especially in skin, hair, feathers, and eyes
Scientists know that all melanin molecules consist of long chains made mostly of derivatives of the amino acid tyrosine, but the individual units of the chain connect in random order.—
Corinna Wu
Corinna WuMelanin performs an array of functions for modern organisms, such as camouflage, photo protection, and display.—Margaret Jones
Margaret Jones
especially
: eumelanin
Tyrosinase enzymes are needed for the manufacture of melanin, the dark pigment that forms the color base of feathers. —Philip C. Whitford
Philip C. Whitford Brown spots and birthmarks contain especially high concentrations of melanin, the substance that gives skin its color. —USA Today
see also neuromelanin, pheomelanin
USA Today Examples of melanin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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Albinism is a genetic mutation that causes cells not to produce melanin.
—Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 1 May 2024
In response to this injury, your body will try to heal the wound by releasing melanin (molecules responsible for skin pigment), potentially resulting in hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. dark spots), Dr. Turegano explains.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for melanin 
Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 1 May 2024
In response to this injury, your body will try to heal the wound by releasing melanin (molecules responsible for skin pigment), potentially resulting in hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. dark spots), Dr. Turegano explains.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for melanin
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Dictionary Entries Near melanin
Cite this Entry
“Melanin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melanin. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
melanin
noun
mel·a·nin
ˈmel-ə-nən
: a usually dark brown or black pigment that gives color to skin, hair, feathers, and eyes
Etymology
derived from Greek melan-, melas "black" — related to melancholy
Medical Definition
melanin
noun
mel·a·nin
ˈmel-ə-nən
: any of various black, brown, reddish-brown, reddish-yellow, or yellow pigments of living organisms that in animals are typically produced in melanocytes by the oxidation of tyrosine followed by polymerization and are found especially in skin, hair, feathers, and eyes
Scientists know that all melanin molecules consist of long chains made mostly of derivatives of the amino acid tyrosine, but the individual units of the chain connect in random order.—Corinna Wu, Science News
Corinna Wu, Science News
especially
: eumelanin
Brown spots and birthmarks contain especially high concentrations of melanin, the substance that gives skin its color. —USA Today
USA Today Natural melanin surrounds and protects our cells not only by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, but also by scattering it and making it lose energy, rendering it harmless. —Rowann Gilman, Prevention
see also neuromelanin, pheomelanin
Rowann Gilman, Prevention Love words? Need even more definitions?
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