SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

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

Learn More About melanian

Dictionary Entries Near melanian

melangeur

melanian

melanic

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for melanian

Cite this Entry

“Melanian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melanian. Accessed 16 Aug. 2022.

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

WORD OF THE DAY

litany

Listen to the pronunciation of litany

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks

  • image1926873504
  • Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

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