melanic
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to melanin: "melanic" describes something that pertains to, contains, or is characterized by melanin, a dark pigment found in skin, hair, and eyes.
- Exhibiting melanism: In biology, "melanic" refers to an organism (especially an animal) that has an unusually high amount of dark pigmentation, often resulting in a black or very dark coloration.
Usage Examples
- (A darker variant of the moth, caused by increased melanin.)
- (Areas of skin with excessive melanin pigmentation.)
Advanced Usage
"Melanic polymorphism": the occurrence of both dark and light color variants within a single species.
- Melanic polymorphism in ladybirds helps them adapt to different environments. (Variation in pigmentation among individuals of the same species.)
"Melanic mutation": a genetic change that leads to increased melanin production.
- The melanic mutation in the jaguar produces a black coat. (A genetic alteration resulting in dark fur.)
Variants and Related Words
Melanism (noun): the condition of having dark pigmentation.
- Industrial melanism in moths is a classic example of natural selection. (The state of being melanic.)
Melanin (noun): the pigment responsible for dark coloration.
- Melanin protects the skin from UV radiation. (The substance that causes melanic traits.)
Synonyms
- Pigmented: containing natural color (often used for skin or tissues).
- Dark-colored: having a dark hue due to pigment.
- Melanotic: specifically relating to or affected by melanin (often used in medical contexts).
Related Idioms