melanism

Noun

Meaning

An undue development of dark-colored pigment in the skin or its appendages; -- the opposite of albinism.

A disease; black jaundice. See Mel/na.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

melanosis ebony sable dark darkness shade obscurity dusk nightfall blackness gloom murk dimness murkiness

Antonyms

albinism albinoism

Hypernyms

skin disease disease of the skin skin disorder

Examples

Jonathan Wells is one of a number of creationists who have criticized the use of peppered moth melanism as an example of evolution in action. Source: Internet

It is thought that melanism may confer a selective advantage under certain conditions since it is more common in regions of dense forest, where light levels are lower. Source: Internet

Jaguars with melanism appear entirely black, although their spots are still visible on close examination. Source: Internet

This has led to the coining of the term "industrial melanism " to refer to the genetic darkening of species in response to pollutants. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms

melaninogenesis melanisation melanise melanist melanistic melanistic thrush