from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Albino \Al*bi"no\ (?; 277), n.; pl. {Albinos}. [Sp. or Pg.
albino, orig. whitish, fr. albo white, L. albus.]
A person, whether negro, Indian, or white, in whom by some
defect of organization the substance which gives color to the
skin, hair, and eyes is deficient or in a morbid state. An
albino has a skin of a milky hue, with hair of the same
color, and eyes with deep red pupil and pink or blue iris.
The term is also used of the lower animals, as white mice,
elephants, etc.; and of plants in a whitish condition from
the absence of chlorophyll. --Amer. Cyc.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The term was originally applied by the Portuguese to
negroes met with on the coast of Africa, who were
mottled with white spots.
[1913 Webster]