melanism noun. ['mɛlǝnɪz(ǝ)m] M19.
[formed as MELANIC + -ISM.]
1. Zoology & Physiology. Darkness of colour, hereditary or (less commonly) pathological, resulting from an excess of melanin in the skin, fur, feathers, scales, etc. Cf. MELANOSIS. M19.
industrial melanism the prevalence of dark-coloured varieties of animals (esp. moths) in industrial areas where they are better camouflaged against predators than paler forms.

2. Chiefly Ornithology. A melanic variety of a bird etc. M19.

■ mela'nistic adjective characterized by melanism L19.

■ melani'zation noun the process or result of developing melanism; the development of melanin: M20.

■ melanized adjective having undergone melanization L19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲