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melanization

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌmɛlənaɪˈzeɪʃən/

KK: /mɛlənaɪˈzeɪʃən/

noun
Definition

The process of producing or increasing melanin in a tissue or organism, which results in a darker color, or the darkening of soil due to humus.


Example

The melanization of the skin can occur due to sun exposure.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about the process of melanization in biology?
Sloth B
Yeah, it’s fascinating how it affects the color of organisms.
Sloth A
I read that it can also influence soil quality through melanization.
Sloth B
That’s interesting! It shows how interconnected everything is in nature.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pigmentation
darkening
coloration
Antonyms
decoloration
lightening
whitening
Root Explanation

Melanization is formed from "melano-" (from Greek "melas", meaning black) and "-ization" (meaning the process of making or becoming). The word refers to the process of becoming black or dark, often in a biological context.

Memory Tip

Think of 'melano-' meaning black, and '-ization' indicating a process. This helps you remember that melanization is the process of becoming black or dark.

Visually Confused Words
myelinization
mechanization
relatinization
gelatinization
delatinization
womanization
tetanization
romanization
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