haemoglobin

British

/ ˌhiːməʊˈɡləʊbɪn, ˌhɛm- /

noun

a conjugated protein, consisting of haem and the protein globin, that gives red blood cells their characteristic colour. It combines reversibly with oxygen and is thus very important in the transportation of oxygen to tissues See also oxyhaemoglobin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of haemoglobin

C19: shortened from haematoglobulin, from _haematin + _globulin the two components

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

haemoglobin

Medical staff took blood tests and he was admitted for a blood transfusion to address low haemoglobin levels, as well as investigations into his heart murmur.

From BBC ● May 5, 2026

It is caused by genetic change that means people make haemoglobin - a key protein in red blood cells - that doesn't work properly.

From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2025

It increases the number of red blood cells in the body and haemoglobin - a protein that carries oxygen - found in those cells.

From BBC ● Dec. 4, 2024

There are some, like haemoglobin levels, certain elements of the cardiovascular system that may go away.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2024

The reaction is due to the oxidation of the resin by the peroxide of hydrogen—such oxidation occurring only if haemoglobin be present to act as an oxygen-carrier.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 6 "Groups, Theory of" to "Gwyniad" by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023