melanize

verb

mel·​a·​nize ˈme-lə-ˌnīz 

melanized; melanizing

transitive verb

1

: to convert into or infiltrate with melanin

2

: to make dark or black

melanization

ˌme-lə-nə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Word History

Etymology

melan(in) + -ize

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

melanize

transitive verb

mel·​a·​nize

variants or chiefly British melanise

ˈmel-ə-ˌnīz 

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