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chromatophore Definition

chro·mato·phore (krō mat′ə fôr′, krō′mə tə fôr′)

noun

  1. a special animal cell, usually dermal, that contains pigment granules: it is often capable of expansion and contraction in such a manner that the skin color changes, as in the chameleon
  2. a plastid containing chlorophyll or other pigments

Etymology: chromato- + -phore

chromatophore Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • note: Gymnodinium: Note the large chromatophore containing carotene and the flagellum, which is best seen in the second picture ( arrowed ).

Adjective modifier

  • rounded: Note the two rounded chromatophores in the top right hand side image.