eumelanin

American  

[yoo-mel-uh-nin] / yuˈmɛl ə nɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a black or brown melanin pigment, responsible for dark coloring of hair, skin, feathers, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of eumelanin

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

Example Sentences

The genetic modifications 'instructed' the same microbes that were growing the material to also produce the dark black pigment, eumelanin.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2024

As it turned out, MFSD12 can affect the production of brown-black eumelanin, producing a darker skin color.

From New York Times • Oct. 12, 2017

Skin color also varies with the kind of pigments: Melanosomes may contain mixtures of a brown-black called eumelanin and a yellow-red called pheomelanin.

From New York Times • Oct. 12, 2017

Their coloring is due to a mutation in the MC1R gene that fails to produce sun-protective, skin-darkening eumelanin and instead causes pale skin, freckles and red hair.

From Washington Post • Jun. 11, 2015