Melanin (noun)

A pigment that is responsible for the color of skin, hair, and eyes in mammals, as well as for tanning of the skin in response to sunlight.

Origin:

From the greek μέλας (melas) meaning "black" and the english suffix -in.

Examples:

1. The more melanin in the skin, the darker the skin.
2. High levels of melanin in the skin protect against UV radiation.
3. Albinism is a genetic disorder where there is little or no melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes.
4. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes.
5. The melanin in the hair gives it its color.