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Definition of melanin

melanin

/ˈmɛl.ə.nɪn/
mel · a · nin
Plural:melanins
•
Adjective:melanic
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melanin Lexical Profile

melanin Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A natural dark brown or black pigment occurring in the hair, skin, and iris of the eye in people and animals, responsible for coloration and protection against ultraviolet radiation.

Example

"Exposure to sunlight stimulates skin cells to produce more melanin, which helps shield deeper tissues from ultraviolet damage."

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'melanin' (the natural pigment that colors skin, hair, and eyes) with 'melatonin' (the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles) or 'melamine' (a synthetic compound used to make durable plastics).

• Rhymes for melanin

• Nearby Words

melancholic
melancholy
melange
melanin
melanoma
melasphaerula
melatonin

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1840s from the Ancient Greek 'melas' (stem 'melan-'), meaning 'black' or 'dark', combined with the chemical suffix '-in'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Melanin. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/melanin
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