Defn: A black pigment found in the pigment-bearing cells of the skin (particularly in the skin of the negro), in the epithelial cells of the external layer of the retina (then called fuscin), in the outer layer of the choroid, and elsewhere. It is supposed to be derived from the decomposition of hemoglobin.
MELANISM
Mel"a*nism, n. Etym: [Gr. , , black.]
1. An indue development of dark-colored pigment in the skin or its appendages; — the opposite of albinism.
2. (Med.)
Defn: A disease; black jaundice. See Mel.
MELANISTIC
Mel`a*nis"tic, a.
Defn: Affected with melanism; of the nature of melanism.
MELANITE
Mel"a*nite, n. Etym: [Gr. mélanite.] (Min.)
Defn: A black variety of garnet.
MELANOCHROI
Mel`a*noch"ro*i, n. pl. Etym: [NL. See Melanochroic.] (Ethnol.)