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Comprehensive
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meiosis the process in which the diploid chromosomes of a cell are replicated once, followed by two divisions of the nucleus, to give rise to four haploid cells that may develop into gametes or spores.
Meistersinger a member of a medieval German guild organized for the cultivation of music and poetry.
Mekong a major river originating in China and flowing southeast through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Mekong Delta an expansive delta region formed by the Mekong River in southeast Vietnam, whose wetlands make it a major rice producer. The Mekong Delta was a scene of heavy combat between U.S. and Viet Cong troops during the Viet Nam War.
Mekong River a major river originating in China and flowing southeast through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
melamed one who teaches children in a Jewish school.
melamine a white crystalline solid, used in the manufacture of resins.
melancholia a mental illness characterized by depression and withdrawal.
melancholic suffering or inclined to suffer from melancholy; sad, gloomy, or depressed. [2 definitions]
melancholy a sad, gloomy, or depressed state or quality. [3 definitions]
Melanesia one of the three principal Pacific island groups, south of the equator, stretching from northeast of New Guinea to Fiji. (Cf. Micronesia, Polynesia.)
Melanesian of or pertaining to Melanesia or its people, cultures, languages, or the like. [3 definitions]
mélange a mixture, usu. of very dissimilar elements.
melanin a dark pigment that colors the skin, hair, and other tissue of humans and some animals.
melanism an esp. high amount of dark pigmentation, as in hair, skin, feathers, or the like. [2 definitions]
melano- dark; black.
melanocyte an epidermal cell in birds and mammals that produces and stores the pigment melanin.
melanoma a malignant tumor, esp. of the skin or eye, that is darkly pigmented with melanin.
melatonin a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that is important in regulating the body's response to biological rhythms such as the light-dark cycle.
Melba toast a very thinly sliced and crisply toasted piece of bread.
meld1 to declare and show (one's hand) in certain card games, such as pinochle. [2 definitions]