melanize

verb

mel·​a·​nize ˈme-lə-ˌnīz How to pronounce melanize (audio)
melanized; melanizing

transitive verb

1
: to convert into or infiltrate with melanin
2
: to make dark or black
melanization noun

Word History

Etymology

melan(in) + -ize

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of melanize was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near melanize

Cite this Entry

“Melanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melanize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

melanize

transitive verb
mel·​a·​nize
variants or chiefly British melanise
melanized or chiefly British melanised; melanizing or chiefly British melanising
: to convert into or infiltrate with melanin
melanized cell granules
melanization noun
or chiefly British melanisation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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