1. Of or relating to Melanesia or its people or culture
   "He wrote a paper on the analysis of a Melanesian society (Ponam) and the ways it has changed in the 20th century"

1. A native or inhabitant of Melanesia, a region in the southwestern Pacific Ocean
   "The Melanesians have a rich cultural heritage"
    
2. Any of the languages spoken by the indigenous peoples of Melanesia
   "He studied Melanesian languages at university"

Derived forms: Melanesians

Encyclopedia: Melanesian