1884 E. Klein vii. 41 Chromogenic micrococci..are characterised by their power of forming pigment of various colours.
1901 6 July 41/1 Organic colourings..may be the product of certain species of bacteria. Hence they are called chromogenic bacteria.
1913 W. Bateson (new ed.) viii. 142 All that is common to them [sc. albinos] is the absence of colour, i.e...of the chromogenic substance.