Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

melanian

adjective
Save Word
me·​la·​nian | \ -ēən, -yən \

Definition of melanian

1 : of dark or black pigmentation
2 usually capitalized, dated : belonging to a race characterized by dark skin pigmentation

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for melanian

French mélanien, from mélan- melan- + -ien -ian

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More About melanian

Statistics for melanian

Cite this Entry

“Melanian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melanian. Accessed 23 Jun. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

emeritus

Listen to the pronunciation of emeritus

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Return of Name that Color!

  • a light greenish blue color
  • Name that color:
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games