neuromelanin

noun

neu·​ro·​mel·​a·​nin ˌnu̇r-ō-ˈme-lə-nən How to pronounce neuromelanin (audio)
ˌnyu̇r-
plural neuromelanins
: a dark melanin pigment found especially in some dopaminergic neurons of the human substantia nigra
Substantia nigra means, literally, "black substance"; researchers now understand that these cells gain their dark coloration from the oxidation of dopamine to form the black pigment neuromelanin.C. Warren Olanow and Ted L. Rothstein
compare eumelanin, pheomelanin

Word History

Etymology

neuro- + melanin

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neuromelanin was in 1957

Dictionary Entries Near neuromelanin

Cite this Entry

“Neuromelanin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neuromelanin. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

neuromelanin

noun
neu·​ro·​mel·​a·​nin -ˈmel-ə-nən How to pronounce neuromelanin (audio)
: a dark melanin pigment found especially in some dopaminergic neurons of the human substantia nigra
… in the brain, tyrosine is converted into dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which in turn gives rise to neuromelanin.Christopher Wills, Discover
Substantia nigra means, literally, "black substance"; researchers now understand that these cells gain their dark coloration from the oxidation of dopamine to form the black pigment neuromelanin.C. Warren Olanow and Ted L. Rothstein, American Scientist
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