Eumelanin

/ˌjuːməˈlænɪn/ noun

Definition

A brown or black pigment found in skin, hair, and eyes that determines human coloration and provides UV protection.

Etymology

From Greek 'eu' (good/true) + 'melas' (black) + '-in' (chemical compound), literally meaning 'true black,' distinguished from pheomelanin (the reddish-yellow pigment).

Kelly Says

Eumelanin is why human skin can range from very pale to very dark, and it's actually a clever evolutionary adaptation—more eumelanin means better protection from the sun's UV rays, which is why populations in sunnier regions evolved higher levels.

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