melanistic, a.
(mɛləˈnɪstɪk)
[f. Gr. µελαν-, µέλας black + -istic.]
Characterized by melanism.
| 1874 Coues Birds N.W. 357, I took no specimens in the melanistic state of plumage. 1888 O. Thomas Catal. Marsupialia Brit. Mus. 266 In the black melanistic variety every part of the body is deep black. |