# melanin

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈmɛlənɪn/ · frequency rank #35,829

## Definitions
1. Any of a group of naturally occurring dark pigments, especially the pigment found in skin, hair, fur, and feathers.

## Etymology
From New Latin, from Ancient Greek stem of μέλας (mélas, “black”) + -in; by surface analysis, melan(o)- + -in.

## Easily confused with
- **Melvin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/melanin-vs-melvin)
- **melatonin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/melanin-vs-melatonin)
- **meaning** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/meaning-vs-melanin)
- **Melanie** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/melanie-vs-melanin)
- **Melania** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/melania-vs-melanin)

## Common misspellings (10)
`emlanin`, `mealnin`, `melainn`, `melaninn`, `melanni`, `melannin`, `mellanin`, `melnain`, `mleanin`, `mmelanin`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/melanin