What does melanocyte mean?
A melanocyte is a specialized cell that produces melanin, the pigment responsible for much of the coloration of the skin, hair, and eyes. Located mainly in the epidermis and hair follicles, melanocytes synthesize melanin and transfer it in small pigment-containing packages to neighboring cells. Their activity is regulated by ultraviolet light and by hormones, including melanocyte-stimulating hormone. In health, melanocytes help maintain pigmentation and contribute to the skin’s response to sunlight. Because melanocytes can proliferate atypically, alterations in their behavior are important in melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. The term is technical and most often appears in biology and medicine. It is useful because it names the cell responsible for making pigment, rather than the pigment itself or a cancer that may develop from pigment-producing cells.
nounA specialized cell that produces melanin, the pigment responsible for much of the coloration of the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanocytes occur chiefly in the epidermis and hair follicles and transfer pigment to neighboring cells.
- A pigment-producing cell, chiefly located in the epidermis and hair follicles, that synthesizes and transfers melanin.
"Sunlight stimulated the melanocytes to produce more melanin, darkening her skin."
"Researchers measured the density of melanocytes in the patient's skin biopsy."
"The condition results from the loss of melanocytes in the affected area, causing the skin to lose its pigment."
The standard plural is melanocytes, formed by adding -s to the singular noun.
"Ultraviolet radiation can activate melanocytes and increase melanin production."
Your skin color begins with melanocytes: tiny pigment factories that package melanin and pass it to surrounding cells.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does melanocyte come from?
The word combines the Greek melas, with the genitive form melanos meaning “black” or “dark,” with kytos meaning “cell,” using the combining forms melano- and -cyte. The melano- element appears in related English words such as melanin, melanoma, and melanosis, while melanophore combines the same Greek base with a different combining form. The specialized modern sense developed within biology and medicine during the 19th century.
Related word forms
How melanocyte is actually used
This is a technical biological and medical term used in anatomy, dermatology, oncology, and genetics. It should not be confused with melanin, the pigment itself, or melanoma, a type of cancer.
Easily confused with melanocyte
A melanocyte is a melanin-producing cell, whereas a melanoma is a malignant tumor that can develop from melanocytes.