noun
- A reddish-yellow or brown pigment found in hair, skin, and feathers, responsible for red and blonde coloration in humans.
Usage: technical; biology; also spelled pheomelanin
Examples
- Phaeomelanin is the pigment that gives red hair its distinctive color.
- People with high levels of phaeomelanin tend to have fair skin and freckles.
- The ratio of phaeomelanin to eumelanin determines hair color in humans.
- Phaeomelanin is also found in the feathers of some bird species.
- Individuals with red hair typically have more phaeomelanin than other populations.