melanocyte-stimulating hormone
[ muh-lan-uh-sahyt-stim-yuh-ley-ting, mel-uh-nuh- ]
Origin of melanocyte-stimulating hormone
1First recorded in 1950–55
Words Nearby melanocyte-stimulating hormone
- melanite
- melano-
- melanoblast
- Melanochroi
- melanocyte
- melanocyte-stimulating hormone
- melanoderm
- melanoid
- melanoma
- melanophore
- melanosis
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Scientific definitions for melanocyte-stimulating hormone
melanocyte-stimulating hormone
A hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland and regulates skin color by stimulating melanin synthesis in humans and other vertebrates. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone stimulates the melanin-producing cells (called melanocytes) of mammals and the melanin-containing cells (called melanophores) of reptiles and amphibians.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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