leucism

noun

leu·​cism ˈlü-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce leucism (audio)
: an abnormal condition of reduced pigmentation affecting various animals (such as birds, mammals, and reptiles) that is marked by overall pale color or patches of reduced coloring and is caused by a genetic mutation which inhibits melanin and other pigments from being deposited in feathers, hair, or skin
leucistic adjective

Examples of leucism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This discrepancy surprised us because the genetic mutation that causes melanism occurs less frequently than the one that causes albinism/leucism. Elizabeth Carlen, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024 On social media, some commenters speculated the creature might be a young red or gray fox with leucism, a condition that causes a loss of pigmentation, resulting in white fur. Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024 An animal with leucism experiences a partial loss of pigmentation. Samuel Sanders, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024 Last year, Wyoming’s Bear River State Park saw the birth of another white bison—this animal’s coloration likely comes from cattle genes mixed into its lineage rather than albinism or leucism, and its mother is also a pale white hue. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for leucism 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Leucismus, from Greek leukós "clear, white" + German -ismus -ism — more at light entry 1

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leucism was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near leucism

Cite this Entry

“Leucism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leucism. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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