melanian
/mɪˈleɪnɪən/Zoology. Now rare
noun
A freshwater snail of the former family Melaniidae (now separated into the Melanopsidae, Pleuroceridae, and Thiaridae).
adjective
Of or relating to the former family Melaniidae.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in The Penny Cyclopaedia. From scientific Latin Melania, genus name + -an, after French mélanien.