How to pronounce melanism
Say it like MEL-uh-nih-zum. Melanism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce melanism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MEL
- uh
- nih
- zum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Melanism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- zumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of melanism
American and British speakers say melanism in essentially the same way: /ˈmɛlənɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈmɛlənɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: MEL-uh-nih-zum.
What does melanism mean?
- Congenital abundance or excess of melanin pigmentation in the skin, hair, feathers and/or eyes, more than is typical for the species.
Where does melanism come from?
From French mélanisme; by surface analysis, melan(o)- + -ism.
Questions about saying melanism
How do you pronounce melanism?
Say MEL-uh-nih-zum. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɛlənɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈmɛlənɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in melanism?
Melanism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MEL). Broken into parts: MEL · uh · nih · zum.
Do Americans and Brits say melanism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmɛlənɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈmɛlənɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.