chromogen

[ kroh-muh-juhn, -jen ]

noun

1. Chemistry.
   1. any substance found in organic fluids that forms colored compounds when oxidized.
   2. a colored compound that, though not a dye itself, can be converted into a dye.
2. a chromogenic bacterium.

chromogen

/ ˈkrəʊmədʒən /

noun

1. a compound that forms coloured compounds on oxidation
2. a substance that can be converted to a dye
3. a bacterium that produces a pigment

Word History and Origins

Origin of chromogen¹

First recorded in 1855–60; chromo- + -gen

Example Sentences

This excludes large areas of homogenous staining and areas of more diffuse, non-specific chromogen deposit.

From Nature

Brown.—Anthracene brown, chromogen, cloth brown, diamond brown, alizarin brown, fast brown, alizarin acid brown, chrome brown, palatine chrome brown, erio chrome brown.

From Project Gutenberg

It is supposed to exist in the cells of algæ, chiefly as a colorless chromogen, which becomes first yellow and then brown on exposure to air.

From Project Gutenberg

The melanosis or blackening of insect blood, for instance, is due to the oxidation of a chromogen, the pigment produced being known as a uranidine.

From Project Gutenberg