neuromelanin

[ noor-oh-mel-uh-nin, nyoor- ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a dark melanin pigment that contains both pheomelanin and eumelanin, occurring in neurons of the substantia nigra in the brain and having a protective function.

Word History and Origins

Origin of neuromelanin¹

First recorded in 1955–60; neuro- ( def ) + melanin ( def )