haemoglobin

British  

/ ˌhɛm-, ˌhiːməʊˈɡləʊbɪn /

noun

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of haemoglobin

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

Example Sentences

According to the NHS, sideroblastic anaemia is a disorder where the body produces enough iron but is unable to put it into the haemoglobin.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2025

They say it does that by increasing the number of red blood cells that contain haemoglobin, which transports oxygen around the body, but this remains a disputed subject and many say further studies are required.

From BBC • May 21, 2025

It takes a course of chemotherapy to kill off the old stem cells that were producing broken haemoglobin, before the new ones can be put in.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2024

Crucially, it is only the adult form of haemoglobin that is affected by beta thalassaemia.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2024

Most of the above symptoms and organic changes are directly due to diminished respiratory interchange from the loss of haemoglobin, and to its effect on the various organs involved.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 1 "Bisharin" to "Bohea" by Various