MELANIZE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does melanize mean? 

• MELANIZE (verb)
  The verb MELANIZE has 2 senses:

1. convert into, or infiltrate with melanin

2. make or become black

  Familiarity information: MELANIZE used as a verb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MELANIZE (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they melanize    ... he / she / it melanizes   
Past simple: melanized   
Past participle: melanized   
-ing form: melanizing   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Convert into, or infiltrate with melanin

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Synonyms:

melanise; melanize

Hypernyms (to "melanize" is one way to...):

convert (change in nature, purpose, or function; undergo a chemical change)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something

Derivation:

melanin (insoluble pigments that account for the color of e.g. skin and scales and feathers)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Make or become black

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Synonyms:

black; blacken; melanise; melanize

Context example:

The ceiling blackened

Hypernyms (to "melanize" is one way to...):

color; colour; discolor; discolour (change color, often in an undesired manner)

Sentence frames:

Something ----s
Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something

Derivation:

melanin (insoluble pigments that account for the color of e.g. skin and scales and feathers)