eumelanin

[ yoo-mel-uh-nin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a black or brown melanin pigment, responsible for dark coloring of hair, skin, feathers, etc. Compare neuromelanin ( def ), pheomelanin ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of eumelanin¹

First recorded in 1920–25; eu- ( def ) + melanin ( def )