chromaffin

adjective

chro·​maf·​fin ˈkrō-mə-fən 

: staining deeply with chromium salts

chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German, from chrom- chrom- + Latin affīnis "bordering (on), connected (with)" — more at affinity

Note: The term was introduced by the histologist Alfred Kohn (1867-1959, of Jewish heritage, born in Bohemia, Austria-Hungary) in "Ueber die Nebenniere," Prager Medicinische Wochenschrift, 23. Jahrgang, Nr. 17 (April 28, 1898), p. 194/2.

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

chromaffin

adjective

chro·​maf·​fin ˈkrō-mə-fən 

: staining deeply with chromium salts

chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla