leucism

American  

[loos-iz-uhm] / ˈlusˌɪz əm /

noun

1. Zoology. in some animals, abnormally pale or blotchy coloring caused by a genetic mutation that reduces pigment in the skin, hair, feathers, or scales.

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Other Word Forms

• leucistic adjective

Example Sentences

The badger's appearance "was definitely abnormal coloration, but it didn't strike me as leucism."

From National Geographic • Feb. 12, 2024

In humans, leucism typically manifests itself in patches of white hair and lighter skin, Beckmen said.

From Washington Post • Jan. 18, 2023

The young puffin has only a few black feathers and its bill is largely orange - the lack of pigmentation is caused by a genetic condition called leucism.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2021

The two white giraffes in Kenya — spotted by rangers at the Hirola Conservation Program in early August — have a genetic condition called leucism.

From The Verge • Sep. 17, 2017

The unique eagle has leucism, which causes partial pigmentation loss in animals.

From Washington Times • Mar. 9, 2017