anemia

American  

[uh-nee-mee-uh] / əˈni mi ə /

Or anaemia

noun

1. Pathology.  a quantitative deficiency of the hemoglobin, often accompanied by a reduced number of red blood cells and causing pallor, weakness, and breathlessness.

2. a lack of power, vigor, vitality, or colorfulness.

   His writing suffers from anemia.

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anemia British  

/ əˈniːmɪə /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of anaemia

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anemia Scientific  

/ ə-nē′mē-ə /

1. A deficiency in the oxygen-carrying component of the blood, as in the amount of hemoglobin or the number or volume of red blood cells. Iron deficiency, often caused by inadequate dietary consumption of iron, and blood loss are common causes of anemia.

2. See also aplastic anemia hemolytic anemia and sickle cell anemia

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anemia Cultural  

1. A condition in which the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen is decreased because of too few red blood cells in circulation or because of too little hemoglobin.

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Discover More

Because people suffering from anemia often appear weak and pale, the term is frequently used to describe general apathy or weakness: “The team's performance has been pretty anemic these past few weeks.”

Other Word Forms

• pseudoanemia noun

Etymology

Origin of anemia

First recorded in 1800–10; from New Latin, from Greek anaimía “bloodlessness, lack of blood”; an- ¹, -emia

Compare meaning

How does anemia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• sickle cell anemia vs. anemia
• thalassemia vs. anemia

Example Sentences

The study focused on patients with Fanconi anemia, a rare genetic disorder that makes traditional stem cell transplants extremely dangerous.

From Science Daily

The researchers first tested the supplement's compatibility with human cells, then evaluated its effects in mice with iron-deficiency anemia.

From Science Daily

But more likely, it’s a kind of aesthetic anemia.

From Los Angeles Times

Luke, who is nicknamed LJ, from Pinchbeck in Lincolnshire, was found to be a match for six-year-old Destiny who was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called sideroblastic anemia in 2020.

From BBC

Ingesting high levels of zinc can also lead to gastrointestinal issues or anemia and pancreatic damage, among other adverse outcomes.

From Los Angeles Times