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

Myeloma cells can also cause a reduction in overall blood cell counts, which can lead to anemia, and a decrease in normal antibodies, which can lead to compromised immunity and an increased risk of infections.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

In addition to their use as a contraceptive, the pills are prescribed for a variety of health issues, including preventing anemia from heavy periods and treating uterine fibroids.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

Beyond entertainment, Shepard devoted herself to raising awareness for sickle cell anemia after a friend died of the affliction.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

While these drugs are effective at reducing stomach acid, using them longer than recommended by a physician may lead to nutrient deficiencies, including anemia, and may negatively affect bone health.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2026

But sickle-cell anemia must have seemed the strangest—for it was hereditary, often appeared in fits and starts, and was accompanied by sudden, wrenching bouts of pain in the bones, joints, and chest.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee