neuromelanin

American  

[noor-oh-mel-uh-nin, nyoor-] / ˌnʊər oʊˈmɛl ə nɪn, ˌnyʊər- /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of neuromelanin

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

Example Sentences

According to the melanists, neuromelanin can convert light and magnetic fields to sound and back again, and can capture sunlight and hold it in a "memory mode."

From Time Magazine Archive