chromaffin

adjective

chro·​maf·​fin ˈkrō-mə-fən How to pronounce chromaffin (audio)
: staining deeply with chromium salts
chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German, from chrom- chrom- + Latin affīnis "bordering (on), connected (with)" — more at affinity

Note: The term was introduced by the histologist Alfred Kohn (1867-1959, of Jewish heritage, born in Bohemia, Austria-Hungary) in "Ueber die Nebenniere," Prager Medicinische Wochenschrift, 23. Jahrgang, Nr. 17 (April 28, 1898), p. 194/2.

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chromaffin was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near chromaffin

Cite this Entry

“Chromaffin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chromaffin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

chromaffin

adjective
chro·​maf·​fin ˈkrō-mə-fən How to pronounce chromaffin (audio)
: staining deeply with chromium salts
chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla
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