1. of or relating to melanin; characterized by dark pigmentation
Usage: technical; biology

1. an organism or individual with dark pigmentation, especially a melanistic variant of a species
Usage: biology; zoology

Examples

• The melanian form of the peppered moth became more common during the Industrial Revolution.
• Melanian variants of certain snake species are found in cooler climates.
• The researcher studied melanian pigmentation patterns in the butterfly population.
• Some melanian individuals of the species showed enhanced survival in urban environments.
• The melanian coloration provided camouflage against the darkened tree bark.