What does melanosis mean?
Melanosis is a medical term for abnormal or excessive pigmentation caused by increased or altered melanin, the pigment responsible for much of the skin's coloration. It most often refers to pigmentary changes in the skin and may occur in congenital conditions, as a response to certain medications, or in several acquired disorders. The word can function broadly or as part of the name of a more specific condition, so its precise implications depend on context. In clinical reports, melanosis does not by itself indicate cancer, and diagnosis requires examination of the affected tissue or clinical findings. The term is useful because it identifies a pigmentary process more precisely than the general expression “darkening,” while remaining more comprehensive than a diagnosis limited to one particular condition. Its vocabulary origin is especially memorable: the name combines the Greek word for “black” with a suffix meaning a condition or abnormal state.
nounAbnormal or excessive pigmentation of tissues caused by increased or altered melanin, especially in the skin. The term may also be used in the names of particular pigmentary conditions.
- Abnormal or excessive pigmentation of tissues resulting from increased or altered melanin, particularly in the skin.
"The biopsy showed melanosis but no evidence of malignancy."
"The dermatologist examined the area of cutaneous melanosis under dermoscopy."
"The report described melanosis without finding any evidence of malignancy."
The plural is uncommon and is used when referring to distinct melanotic conditions collectively.
"Several cutaneous melanoses can resemble pigmented lesions."
Melanosis literally means a black condition: its name combines the Greek word for “black” with a suffix denoting a diseased or abnormal condition.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does melanosis come from?
Melanosis was formed in English from Greek melas, meaning “black,” together with the suffix -osis, used in medical terminology to denote a condition. The same Greek root underlies English words such as melanin, melanocyte, melanophore, and melanism. In melanosis, the form emphasizes a dark or melanin-related condition rather than the pigment itself.
Related word forms
How melanosis is actually used
This is primarily a medical term and is normally used in clinical, pathological, or dermatological contexts. It is not a general synonym for any darkening of the skin, since increased melanin must be involved.
Easily confused with melanosis
Melanosis is a broad medical term for abnormal melanin pigmentation, whereas melasma specifically denotes acquired facial hyperpigmentation associated with hormonal changes.