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

Photos of the pale carnivore made headlines across the San Francisco area, with most reports suggesting that the North American badger likely has leucism, an abnormality marked by a partial loss of pigmentation.

From National Geographic • Feb. 12, 2024

A female penguin with leucism from the Gentoo species has been filmed at a base in Antarctica.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2024

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

From Washington Post • Jan. 18, 2023

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