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The root "melan/o" originates from the Greek word "melas," which means black. This prefix is commonly used in medical terminology to denote the presence of darkness or black pigmentation. For example, "melanin" is the pigment responsible for the dark color of skin, hair, and eyes. The use of "melan/o" indicates a reference to black or dark-colored conditions within medical terms, such as melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. Understanding this root can significantly enhance the comprehension of various medical terms related to pigmentation and associated conditions.