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chromogen

American  
[kroh-muh-juhn, -jen] / ˈkroʊ mə dʒən, -ˌdʒɛn /

noun

  1. Chemistry.

    1. any substance found in organic fluids that forms colored compounds when oxidized.

    2. a colored compound that, though not a dye itself, can be converted into a dye.

  2. a chromogenic bacterium.


chromogen British  
/ ˈkrəʊmədʒən /

noun

  1. a compound that forms coloured compounds on oxidation

  2. a substance that can be converted to a dye

  3. a bacterium that produces a pigment

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of chromogen

First recorded in 1855–60; chromo- + -gen

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This excludes large areas of homogenous staining and areas of more diffuse, non-specific chromogen deposit.

From Nature

Brown.—Anthracene brown, chromogen, cloth brown, diamond brown, alizarin brown, fast brown, alizarin acid brown, chrome brown, palatine chrome brown, erio chrome brown.

From Project Gutenberg

It is supposed to exist in the cells of algæ, chiefly as a colorless chromogen, which becomes first yellow and then brown on exposure to air.

From Project Gutenberg

The melanosis or blackening of insect blood, for instance, is due to the oxidation of a chromogen, the pigment produced being known as a uranidine.

From Project Gutenberg