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melanosis

American  
[mel-uh-noh-sis] / ˌmɛl əˈnoʊ sɪs /

noun

Pathology.
  1. abnormal deposition or development of black or dark pigment in the tissues.

  2. a discoloration caused by this.


melanosis British  
/ ˌmɛləˈnəʊsɪs, ˌmɛləˈnɒtɪk, ˈmɛləˌnɪzəm /

noun

  1. pathol a skin condition characterized by excessive deposits of melanin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • melanotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of melanosis

First recorded in 1815–25; from New Latin, Late Greek melánōsis “a becoming black”; melan-, -osis

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.

But a little melanosis is not necessarily a bad thing.

From New York Times

The melanosis or blackening of insect blood, for instance, is due to the oxidation of a chromogen, the pigment produced being known as a uranidine.

From Project Gutenberg

The history of rachitis, of melanosis, and of osteoporosis, as related to an abnormal frangibility of the bones, is a part of our common medical knowledge.

From Project Gutenberg

We are in trouble just now, on account of a neglected hereditary melanosis, as Monsieur Trousseau might call it.

From Project Gutenberg

It seemed to be physiologically analogous to melanosis.

From Project Gutenberg