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”; see 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

Explanation

Anemia is a medical condition resulting from lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. People with anemia are often pale and lacking in energy. You become anemic when you are not getting enough iron. It is common among college students living away from home for the first time, because they often subsist on a diet of cheap carbohydrates instead of iron-rich, but expensive, foods like red meat and fresh vegetables.

Example Sentences

The criteria for diagnosing myeloma are sometimes described using the acronym CRAB: Calcium elevation, Renal issues, Anemia, Bone problems.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

Anemia develops when the body lacks enough red blood cells to transport oxygen efficiently.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2025

Anemia is a condition involving reduced blood capacity to transport oxygen.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2024

The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health said Wednesday that it has received confirmation that a horse in Finney County and another in Kearny County have tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia.

From Washington Times • Aug. 31, 2017

“I don’t know. Anemia, I guess. That means I need more iron and have to eat liver. I have to stay in bed all day tomorrow. You and Sam have to go with Mom again.”

From "Kira-Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata