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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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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Its white fur is caused by leucism, which may make it more vulnerable, yet it repeatedly returned to the same branch, seemingly unconcerned by observers.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

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

Though unusual, leucism in moose isn’t unheard of.

From Washington Post • Jan. 18, 2023

A deer can be born all white through two primary genetic mutations, albinism and leucism.

From Washington Times • Apr. 14, 2018

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

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