erythrism

American  

[ih-rith-riz-uhm, er-uh-thriz-uhm] / ɪˈrɪθ rɪz əm, ˈɛr əˌθrɪz əm /

noun

1. abnormal redness, as of plumage or hair.

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erythrism British  

/ ɪˈrɪθrɪzəm, ˌɛrɪˈθrɪzməl /

noun

1. abnormal red coloration, as in plumage or hair

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Other Word Forms

• erythrismal adjective
• erythristic adjective

Etymology

Origin of erythrism

First recorded in 1885–90; erythr- ( def. ) + -ism

Example Sentences

Experts have only recorded two other cases of erythrism in North American badgers, burrowing carnivores found in grasslands across the western and central U.S.,

From National Geographic • Feb. 12, 2024

So far, erythrism has been identified in dozens of species, including reef manta rays, leopards, and European polecats.

From National Geographic • Feb. 12, 2024