melanism Hear it!

melanism Definition

mela·nism (-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

Etymology: melan(o)- + -ism

melanism Related Forms
mel′a·nis′·tic adjective
melanism Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • call: This type of evolution has been called industrial melanism.

Preposition: in

  • moth: Industrial melanism in moths: a review and reassessment.

Browse dictionary entries near melanism

  1. ‹ melanin
  2. ‹ Melanie
  3. ‹ melanic
  4. ‹ Melanesian
  5. ‹ Melanesia
  6. ‹ Melanchthon
  7. ‹ melancholy
  8. ‹ melancholia
  9. ‹ melan-
  10. ‹ melamine resin
  1. melanite ›
  2. melanize ›
  3. melano- ›
  4. melanoblast ›
  5. Melanochroi ›
  6. melanocyte ›
  7. melanoid ›
  8. melanoma ›
  9. melanophore ›
  10. melanosis ›