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
ˌme-lə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce melanize (audio)
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

melanite

melanize

melanized soil

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Melanize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melanize. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

melanize

transitive verb
mel·​a·​nize
variants or chiefly British melanise
ˈmel-ə-ˌnīz How to pronounce melanize (audio)
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
ˌmel-ə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce melanize (audio)
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