melanism

(-niz′əm)

noun

  1. abnormal development of dark pigmentation in the skin, hair, feathers, etc.
  2. darkness of skin, hair, eyes, etc., resulting from a high degree of pigmentation

Origin: melan(o)- + -ism

Related Forms:

See melanism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. See melanosis.
  2. Dark coloration of the skin, hair, fur, or feathers because of a high concentration of melanin.

Related Forms:

  • melˌa·nisˈtic adjective

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