melanosis

[mel-uh-noh-sis]

noun

Pathology.

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

2. a discoloration caused by this.

melanosis

/ ˌmɛləˈnəʊsɪs, ˌmɛləˈnɒtɪk, ˈmɛləˌnɪzəm /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• melanotic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of melanosis¹

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

Example Sentences

But a little melanosis is not necessarily a bad thing.

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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.

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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.

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

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It seemed to be physiologically analogous to melanosis.

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