noun
- specialized cells containing melanin pigment that can expand or contract to change skin color in certain animals
Usage: biology; zoology
Examples
- The chameleon’s melanophores allow it to rapidly change color for camouflage.
- Fish use melanophores to blend in with their surroundings.
- Scientists studied the melanophores in frog skin to understand color-changing mechanisms.
- The octopus contracts its melanophores to create dark patterns on its skin.
- Melanophores contain granules of melanin that can be dispersed or concentrated.
- Some reptiles have melanophores that respond to temperature changes.