Melanism

Pronunciation: /ˈmɛləˌnɪzəm/

Definitions of melanism

noun the condition of being abnormally dark or having dark pigmentation, especially in the skin or fur

Example Sentences

A1 Melanism is a condition where an animal has dark-colored skin or fur.

A2 Some species of moths exhibit melanism to help them blend in with their surroundings.

B1 Scientists study melanism in certain bird populations to understand its genetic basis.

B2 The prevalence of melanism in certain fish species can be influenced by environmental factors.

C1 Melanism can provide a survival advantage in certain habitats due to increased camouflage.

C2 Research on melanism in different species has led to discoveries in evolutionary biology and adaptation.

Examples of melanism in a Sentence

formal Melanism is a genetic mutation that causes an increased amount of melanin in an organism's skin, fur, or feathers.

informal Did you know that melanism is responsible for the black coloration of some animals?

slang Some people call melanism 'the dark side' of genetics.

figurative In a world full of bright colors, his personality had a certain melanism to it, always drawn to the shadows.

Grammatical Forms of melanism

• past tense: melanized
• plural: melanisms
• comparative: more melanistic
• superlative: most melanistic
• present tense: melanizes
• future tense: will melanize
• perfect tense: has melanized
• continuous tense: is melanizing
• singular: melanism
• positive degree: melanistic
• infinitive: to melanize
• gerund: melanizing
• participle: melanized

Origin and Evolution of melanism

First Known Use: 1830 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'melanism' originates from the Greek word 'melas' meaning black or dark.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of biology to describe the dark pigmentation in animals, 'melanism' has since been adopted in various fields to refer to the condition of having dark-colored skin, feathers, or fur.