melanism

[ mel-uh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. Ethnology. the condition in human beings of having a high amount of melanin granules in the skin, hair, and eyes.
2. Zoology. the condition in which an unusually high concentration of melanin occurs in the skin, plumage, or pelage of an animal.

melanism

/ ˈmɛləˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the condition in man and animals of having dark-coloured or black skin, feathers, etc. Industrial melanism is the occurrence of dark varieties of animals, esp moths, in smoke-blackened industrial regions, in which they are well camouflaged
2. another name for melanosis

melanism

/ mĕl′ə-nĭz′əm /

1. Dark coloration of the skin, hair, fur, or feathers because of a high concentration of melanin.

Derived Forms

• ˌmelaˈnistic, adjective

Other Words From

• mela·nistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of melanism¹

First recorded in 1835–45; melan- + -ism

Example Sentences

On the other hand, melanism, or a tendency to the production of dark or even black forms, reveals itself.

From Project Gutenberg

Melanism is rather more common in the case of the male sex than in the female sex.

From Project Gutenberg

Only one case of melanism was observed among all the specimens of both species examined.

From Project Gutenberg

Melanism: an abnormal or unusual darkening: a suffusion with blackish.

From Project Gutenberg