NYT Dictionary
MELANIN
/ˈmelənɪn/NounMEL-a-ninmel-a-nin · 3 syllablesGrade 9
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2025
Meaning
Any of a group of naturally occurring dark pigments, especially the pigment found in skin, hair, fur, and feathers.
Etymology
Origin: Latin
From New Latin, from Ancient Greek stem of μέλας (mélas, “black”) + -in; by surface analysis, melan(o)- + -in.
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: