melan-

1. variant of melano- before a vowel.

   melanism.

Example Sentences

In 2020, Melan beamed into D.C.’s music scene with her first single, “Full Moon,” a twinkling lullaby that doubles as a young girl’s coming home to self and a sleepy ode to another lunation.

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Melan grew up listening to classic and alternative rock, Southern rap, and experimental artists, but especially gravitated toward neo-soul.

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Last September, Melan released her debut album, “A Cool Girl Dream,” a 17-minute affirmation of self-respect, femininity, freedom and fun.

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Whether you want to dance or cry, Melan is here for you.

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Of her forthcoming album, “Heart Lessons,” Melan says, “I’m not defining my worth by other people anymore.”

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When To Use

What does melan- mean?

Melan- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “black” or “dark-colored.” In biology and medicine, melan- is specifically used to refer to melanin, “any of a class of insoluble pigments, found in all forms of animal life, that account for the dark color of skin, hair, fur, scales, feathers, etc.”Melan- comes from the Greek mélās, meaning “black.” Did you know the word melancholy also derives in part from this Greek root? Discover the connection between gloominess and the Greek word for black at our entry and in our video for melancholy.Melan- is a variant of melano-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels.Want to know more? Read our Words That Use melano- article.