noun
- cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color
Usage: medical; biology
Examples
- Melanocytes are located in the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis.
- UV radiation can damage melanocytes and lead to skin cancer.
- People with darker skin have more active melanocytes.
- The doctor examined the patient’s melanocytes for signs of abnormal growth.
- Melanocytes distribute pigment to surrounding skin cells.
- Vitiligo occurs when melanocytes stop producing melanin in certain areas.