melatonin
Meanings
noun
- A hormone, related to serotonin, that is secreted by the pineal gland, and stimulates colour change in the skin of reptiles, and is involved in the sleep and wake and reproductive cycles in mammals.
- Any material similar in its chemistry and effect to the natural hormone.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
From mela- + tone + -in, ultimately from Ancient Greek μέλας (mélas, “black, dark”).
Derived words
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