melanogenesis

9.9

The process that makes melanin pigment in the skin and hair

noun
/ˌmɛləˈnoʊdʒənɪs/

Specialized

: melanogénesis

Ultraviolet light can increase melanogenesis in the skin, leading to tanning.

Examples

Researchers study melanogenesis to better understand skin disorders like vitiligo.
Certain genetic conditions can affect the normal process of melanogenesis.
The process of melanogenesis is crucial for skin protection.
Understanding melanogenesis helps in treating skin disorders.
Ultraviolet light can increase melanogenesis in the skin, leading to tanning.
Researchers study melanogenesis to better understand skin disorders like vitiligo.
Certain genetic conditions can affect the normal process of melanogenesis.

Synonyms

melanization

vsmelanogenesis

Specialized

8.9

Darkening of skin or an insect shell when it gets more pigment

refers to the biochemical production of melanin rather than accumulation

Antonyms

depigmentation

Specialized

1 8.2

Loss of colour in the skin or hair that makes them look lighter

How Pigmented

hyperpigmentation

Specialized

1 7.7

melanogenesis

Specialized

9.9

melanization

Specialized

8.9

pigmentation

Specialized

8 5.2

Surface Forms

melanogenesis singular

melanogeneses plural

Morphology

melanogenesis = genesis (opaque) = melano + genesis

The term uses the combining form 'melano-' plus 'genesis', but the specialized biological meaning 'production of melanin' is not readily recoverable for an average learner from the parts alone.

Etymology

Melanogenesis comes from Greek parts melano- meaning 'black' and -genesis meaning 'creation' or 'origin'. So, it literally means the 'making of black', which is why the word describes the process that makes the dark pigment melanin in the skin.