Chromaffin

/ˌkroʊməˈfɪn/ adjective

Definition

Describing cells or tissues that can be easily stained brown by chromium salts; specifically refers to certain hormone-producing cells.

Etymology

From chroma (color) + affin- (from Latin affinis, related to or having affinity). A scientific term created to describe the staining properties of specialized cells in the adrenal gland.

Kelly Says

Chromaffin cells are your adrenaline factory—when you're in danger, these special cells release stress hormones that make your heart race, and they earned their name because they turn brown under chromium stain.

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