Etymology
The term "Melanesia" is derived from the Greek words:
Meaning
The term "Melanesia" means literally "Black Islands" or "Islands of the Black People."
Origin
The term "Melanesia" was first used by the French explorer Jules Dumont d'Urville in 1832 to refer to the islands in the western Pacific Ocean that were inhabited by dark-skinned peoples. D'Urville based this classification on the physical characteristics of the indigenous inhabitants, who had darker skin tones than the Polynesian and Micronesian peoples of the region.
Usage
The term "Melanesia" is commonly used today to refer to the subregion of Oceania that includes the following countries and territories:
The term is also used to describe the Melanesian peoples who inhabit these islands. Melanesians are characterized by their dark skin, curly hair, and distinctive cultural traditions.
Etymology From Ancient Greek Χερσόνησος Chersónēsos Meaning Penins
Etymology Old English īeg īeġ island Proto West Germanic aujō Proto Indo Euro
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Etymology and Meaning Poly Ancient Greek many nesia Ancient Greek island
Etymology From Ancient Greek Χερσόνησος Chersónēsos Meaning Penins
Etymology Latin missionarius from missīo sending forth expedition Old French
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