melanocyte-stimulating hormone

[ muh-lan-uh-sahyt-stim-yuh-ley-ting, mel-uh-nuh- ]

nounBiochemistry.
  1. MSH.

Origin of melanocyte-stimulating hormone

1
First recorded in 1950–55

Words Nearby melanocyte-stimulating hormone

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

Scientific definitions for melanocyte-stimulating hormone

melanocyte-stimulating hormone

  1. 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.