merocyanine

noun

mer·​o·​cyanine

variants or merocyanine dye

: any of a class of polymethine dyes that are used like the cyanine dyes as sensitizers in photography but differ from the cyanine dyes in containing an acidic heterocyclic nucleus (as rhodanine or pyrazolone) linked to a basic heterocyclic nucleus (as quinoline or benzothiazole) and in not being ionized

Word History

Etymology

mer- + cyanine

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now