Words Starting With "M"
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Melanoid
Melanoid refers to a substance that has a dark brown or black color, often due to the presence of melanin, a pigment found in skin, hair, and eyes. In a broader sense, it can also describe something that has a tendency to darken or turn brown, such as a substance that oxidizes or decomposes over time.
Melanoidin
Melanoidin refers to a type of protein pigment that is present in various food products, particularly in those that contain cysteine-rich amino acids. It is responsible for the characteristic brown and golden colors of many foods, such as bread, coffee, and chocolate. Melanoidin is also associated with the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during cooking and baking.
Melanoidins
Melanoidins are a type of brown pigment that forms when amino acids and reducing sugarsreact with each other through a Maillard reaction. This reaction typically occurs during the cooking, roasting, or frying of foods, and is responsible for the formation of the characteristic brown colors and flavors of foods such as seared meats, toasted bread, and roasted coffee beans. Melanoidins have been shown to have various health benefits, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and are also believed to play a role in the development of certain flavors and aromas in foods.
Melanoleuca
Melanoleuca is a fungal genus in the family Tricholomataceae. It contains species that are commonly known as "waxy-cap mushrooms" due to the smooth, waxy texture of their caps. The name "Melanoleuca" is derived from the Greek words "melanos", meaning black, and "leukos", meaning white, likely due to the contrasting color patterns found on the caps of some species.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the pigment cells called melanocytes. It is a relatively rare type of skin cancer, but it is also the most aggressive and dangerous one. Melanoma is caused by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, which can spread to other parts of the body and form new tumors. Melanoma is often characterized by a change in the appearance of a mole or a new mole that appears on the skin, and it can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Melanomas
Melanomas are a type of skin cancer that occurs when cancer cells develop from the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes in the skin. Melanomas often begin as a mole and can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or brain. They are considered highly malignant and are often fatal if left untreated.
Melanomatosis
Melanomatosis is a rare type of skin cancer that is characterized by the widespread growth of malignant melanocytes, which are the cells that produce the pigment melanin, in various parts of the body, often in the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes.
Melanomatous
Melanomatous refers to a tumor or growth that is derived from melanin-producing cells, such as melanocytes. In other words, it refers to a type of cancerous tumor that originates from the melanocyte cell, often found in the skin, but can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the eyes, brain, or digestive tract.
Melanomic
Melanomic refers to something related to or characterized by melanoma, which is a type of cancer that arises from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. In a medical context, melanomic can describe a tumour or a malignant growth that is caused by the abnormal proliferation of melanocytes. It can also refer to a treatment or therapy that targets melanoma or melanocytes.
Melanonychia
Melanonychia is a medical term that refers to the pigmentation of the nails, where the nails have a brown or black coloration. This can be caused by various factors, including injury to the nail bed, fungal infections, certain medical conditions, or exposure to certain chemicals.
Melanophage
A rare one!<br><br>Melanophage (noun) refers to a type of pigmented cell or "melanocyte" that has begun to devour or phagocytose melanin, a pigment responsible for skin color. In other words, a melanophage is a cell that eats its own melanin, often resulting in abnormal skin pigmentation.
Melanophore
A melanophore is a type of cell found in the skin of many animals, including humans, that plays a crucial role in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. In other words, melanophores are the cells that help to determine an individual's natural hair and skin color.
Melanophores
Melanophores are specialized cells found in the skin of certain animals, particularly fish and reptiles, that contain pigment granules. These granules are responsible for changing the color of the skin in response to hormonal changes, environmental stimuli, or emotional states. In other words, melanophores help regulate the coloration of an animal's skin, allowing it to adapt to its surroundings, express its emotional state, or communicate with other animals of the same species.
Melanoplus
Melanoplus is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae. The genus name Melanoplus is derived from the Greek words "melanos", meaning "black" and "pous", meaning "foot", likely referring to the dark-colored hind legs or tarsi of some species.
Melanopsin
Melanopsin is a type of photoreceptor that is sensitive to blue light and is involved in non-visual responses to light, such as regulating circadian rhythms, controlling the sleep-wake cycle, and influencing mood and behavior. It is found in the retinal ganglion cells of the eye and is responsible for responding to the presence or absence of light, allowing the body to synchronize its internal clock with the day-night cycle.
Melanorrhoea
Melanorrhoea refers to a disease characterized by dark-colored urine, often caused by the presence of melanin in the urine.
Melanoscope
A melanoscope is a medical device used to diagnose and monitor skin cancer by measuring the amount of melanin in skin lesions. It is a non-invasive tool that shines a low-intensity laser through the skin to determine the quantity of melanin (pigmentation) beneath the surface. This helps doctors to assess the severity of skin lesions and decide on the most appropriate course of treatment.
Melanosis
Melanosis is a medical term that refers to the formation or presence of melanin in tissues or organs, often resulting in discoloration or darkening. It can occur in various areas of the body, including the skin, eyes, and internal organs. Melanosis can be benign or cancerous, depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, melanosis can be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome or McCune-Albright syndrome.
Melanosome
A melanosome is a type of organelle found in melanocytes, which are cells that produce the pigment melanin. Melanosomes are responsible for the production and storage of melanin, the pigment that gives color and protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Melanosomes
Melanosomes are membrane-bound organelles found in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, a pigment responsible for skin and hair color. They are the site of melanin synthesis and accumulation, and are involved in the transfer of melanin to keratinocytes, the cells that make up the outermost layer of the epidermis, to provide protection against ultraviolet radiation.
Melanostatin
Melanostatin is a neuropeptide hormone that specifically inhibits the release of melanin-producing melanocytes, thereby controlling melanocyte activity and regulating skin and hair pigmentation.
Melanotaenia
Melanotaenia is a genus of freshwater fish, often referred to as rainbowfish. It is a common name for a group of small, colorful fish that are native to rivers and streams in Australia, New Guinea, and parts of Southeast Asia. The name "Melanotaenia" comes from the Greek words "melanos," meaning black, and "tenos," meaning stretched, likely due to the distinctive black stripe that runs along the length of their bodies. These fish are popular aquarium species due to their vibrant colors and active swimming behavior.
Melanotic
Melanotic refers to something that is related to or resembling melanin, a pigment found in skin, hair, and eyes. In medicine, melanotic typically describes a type of tumor or cyst that produces melanin, often causing skin discoloration or darkening. In a broader sense, it can also describe the dark or darkened appearance of a substance, such as a melanotic fungus.
Melanotis
Melanotis is a type of bird genus that belongs to the family Turdidae, which includes thrushes. It refers specifically to a group of black-throated thrushes, which are found in the western hemisphere, particularly in North and Central America.
Melanotroph
Melanotroph is a type of cell found in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland, which produces melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). MSH plays a role in regulating the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin and hair pigmentation.
Melanotrophs
Melanotrophs are a type of cell found in the pituitary gland that produce melanotropin, a hormone that stimulates the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation.
Melanotropic
Melanotropic refers to a substance or stimulus that affects the production or distribution of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for human skin color. In other words, a melanotropic substance or agent is something that influences the production of melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) or the production and distribution of melanin in the skin.
Melanotropin
Melanotropin is a type of hormone that stimulates the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. Specifically, it is a hormone that is released by the pituitary gland and stimulates the production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which in turn stimulates the production of melanin in the skin and hair.
Melanous
The word "melanous" is not a commonly used word in English language. However, it is possible that you may be thinking of "melanic", which means relating to or consisting of melanin, a brown or black pigment found in the skin of many animals. Alternatively, "melanous" could also be a combination of "melan-" (meaning black) and "-ous" (meaning like or having the nature of), suggesting something that is black or dark in color.
Melanoxylon
Melanoxylon is a synonym for ebony, a dense and very hard wood that is native to tropical Africa and Asia. The term refers specifically to the wood of the ebony tree, which is highly valued for its dark color and durability, often used in furniture-making and woodcarvings.
Melanthiaceae
Melanthiaceae is a family of flowering plants, commonly known as the melanthioids, in the order Asparagales. This family comprises about 70-80 species, which are distributed across Asia, Europe, North America, and North Africa. The plants within this family are typically perennial herbs or subshrubs, with umbrella-like inflorescences and compound leaves.
Melanure
Melanure is a rare and obsolete word that refers to a pigment or coloring matter found in the melanous organs of certain animals, particularly certain species of fish and shellfish. It is also sometimes used to describe the dark-colored secretion or discharge produced by certain insects or crustaceans.
Melanuria
Melanuria is a rare skin disorder characterized by an excessive production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. People with melanuria often experience darkening of the skin, especially in areas exposed to the sun, as well as abnormal brown or black discoloration of the skin.
Melaphyre
Melaphyre is a type of volcanic rock that is intermediate in composition between andesite and basalt. It is typically dark in color, ranging from dark gray to black, and has a coarse-grained texture.
Melarsoprol
Melarsoprol is a medication used to treat African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, which is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma. It is used to treat the neurogliormative stage of the disease, which occurs when the parasites have spread to the central nervous system.
Melasma
Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by the appearance of patches or blotches on the skin, typically on the face. It is also known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy." Melasma is caused by increased production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, and is often triggered by hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetics. The condition can range from mild to severe and can be treated with a combination of topical creams, chemical peels, and laser therapy.