sickle cell trait

noun

, Pathology.

1. the usually asymptomatic hereditary condition that occurs when a person inherits from only one parent the abnormal hemoglobin gene characteristic of sickle cell anemia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sickle cell trait¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

People who inherit one gene for sickle cell disease and one normal gene have sickle cell trait.

From Washington Post