Achromasia

/ˌækroʊˈmeɪʒə/ noun

Definition

The complete or partial absence of color, especially in biological tissues or cells that would normally be pigmented.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'chroma' (color) + '-sia' (condition). Medical term coined in the 19th century to describe depigmentation conditions observed in organisms.

Kelly Says

Achromasia can happen in humans too—conditions like vitiligo cause patches of skin to lose pigment, creating the opposite effect of a suntan. Understanding achromasia in simple organisms helped doctors understand these skin conditions in people.

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