melanous

American  

[mel-uh-nuhs] / ˈmɛl ə nəs /

adjective

1. having a dark, swarthy complexion and dark-colored hair.

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melanous British  

/ ˈmɛlənəs, ˌmɛləˈnɒsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. having a dark complexion and black hair

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Other Word Forms

• melanosity noun

Etymology

Origin of melanous

First recorded in 1835–40; melan- ( def. ) + -ous ( def. )

Example Sentences

To the different characters of human complexion, Dr Prichard gives three distinctive terms—the melanous or brunette; the xanthous or blonde; and the leucous or albino; the melanous predominating in the southern countries, the xanthous in the northern.

From Project Gutenberg

The change from the xanthous to the melanous complexion, is a circumstance of constant occurrence; there are few children born, whose complexion does not darken as they grow up, in many cases undergoing a total change: the passage from dark to fair is rare, but it constantly occurs that xanthous, or even leucous children, are born of melanous parents.

From Project Gutenberg