chromophobe

adjective

chro·​mo·​phobe ˈkrō-mə-ˌfōb How to pronounce chromophobe (audio)
: resisting staining with dyes

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German chromophob, from chromo- chromo- + -phob "lacking affinity for," borrowed from Greek -phobos "fearing" — more at -phobia

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chromophobe was circa 1909

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Cite this Entry

“Chromophobe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chromophobe. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

chromophobe

1 of 2 adjective
chro·​mo·​phobe ˈkrō-mə-ˌfōb How to pronounce chromophobe (audio)
variants also chromophobic
: not readily absorbing stains : difficult to stain
chromophobe tumors
chromophoby noun
plural chromophobies

chromophobe

2 of 2 noun
: a chromophobe cell especially of the pituitary gland
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