Melanocyte - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A melanocyte is a specialized skin cell that produces melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. It helps protect against UV radiation.
Definition:
A cell in the skin that produces melanin, responsible for pigmentation.
Synonyms:
pigment cell, melanin-producing cell, melanophore
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
keratinocyte, fibroblast
Common Collocations:
skin melanocytes, melanocyte activity, melanocyte-stimulating hormone
Derivatives:
melanocytic, melanocytoma
Usage Tips:
Use "melanocyte" when discussing skin biology or pigmentation disorders like melanoma.
Common Phrases:
"melanocyte-stimulating hormone, " "melanocyte transplantation, " "melanocyte proliferation"
Etymology:
From Greek "melas" (black) + "kytos" (cell), referring to pigment-producing cells.
Examples:
- 1. The sun activates melanocytes to produce more melanin.
- 2. Melanocytes determine skin color by distributing pigment.
- 3. Albinism occurs when melanocytes fail to function properly.
- 4. UV radiation can damage melanocytes and increase cancer risk.