plural melanins
Definition of melanin
: 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 Melanin performs an array of functions for modern organisms, such as camouflage, photo protection, and display.— 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 Brown spots and birthmarks contain especially high concentrations of melanin, the substance that gives skin its color. — USA Today
— see also neuromelanin, pheomelanin
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for melanin
The first known use of melanin was in 1843
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