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From New Latin, from Ancient Greek stem of μέλας (mélas, “black”) + -in; by surface analysis, melan- + -in.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Today it means: Any of a group of naturally occurring dark pigments, especially the pigment found in skin, hair, fur, and feathers. Full definition →
From New Latin, from Ancient Greek stem of μέλας (mélas, “black”) + -in; by surface analysis, melan- + -in.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.