noun
melanin
MEL-uh-nin
Melanin (noun) means the dark pigment that gives colour to skin, hair and the iris of the eye, and that absorbs ultraviolet light and helps protect skin from sun damage. Example: “More melanin in the skin means more natural protection from UV rays.”
noun
1
The dark pigment that gives colour to skin, hair and the iris of the eye, and that absorbs ultraviolet light and helps protect skin from sun damage.
"More melanin in the skin means more natural protection from UV rays."
"Grey hair appears when the follicle stops producing melanin."
2
Any of the related pigments found in animals, plants and fungi, including the black-brown eumelanin and the reddish pheomelanin.
"Red hair is high in pheomelanin and low in eumelanin."
How to use melanin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe natural pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their colour.
When to use it
Neutral and scientific; also widely used in cosmetics and health writing.
Memory tip
Melanin is made by cells called melanocytes; melanoma is a cancer of those cells.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
melanin production
rich in melanin
melanin levels
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More _____ in the skin means more natural protection from UV rays.
Etymology
From Greek melas, melan- 'black', with the chemical suffix -in.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does melanin do?
It colours skin, hair and eyes, and it absorbs ultraviolet radiation, which shields the DNA in skin cells from sun damage. People with more melanin burn less easily but still need sun protection.
What is the difference between melanin and melatonin?
Melanin is a pigment made in the skin; melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland that regulates sleep. The names look alike but they are unrelated.
Can you increase your melanin?
Sun exposure raises melanin production temporarily, which is what tanning is, but that comes with UV damage. There is no reliable evidence that supplements or foods meaningfully raise baseline melanin, which is largely genetic.
What is the meaning of melanin?
"melanin" (noun) means the dark pigment that gives colour to skin, hair and the iris of the eye, and that absorbs ultraviolet light and helps protect skin from sun damage.
