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The term that refers specifically to the pigment responsible for skin color is melanin. Melanin is a dark biological pigment found in most organisms, particularly in the skin, hair, and eyes of humans. It plays a critical role in determining the color of the skin, with varying concentrations leading to the diverse range of skin tones seen across different individuals and ethnicities. Melanin also serves important protective functions by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, thus helping to prevent skin damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

In contrast, pediculosis refers to an infestation of lice, jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to an accumulation of bilirubin, and ecchymosis refers to a skin discoloration caused by bleeding under the skin, commonly known as a bruise. These terms relate to skin conditions or symptoms but do not pertain to the pigment that gives skin its color.