hemochromatosis

American  

[hee-muh-kroh-muh-toh-sis, hem-uh-] / ˌhi məˌkroʊ məˈtoʊ sɪs, ˌhɛm ə- /

noun

Pathology.

1. a rare metabolic disorder characterized by a bronzed skin, cirrhosis, and severe diabetes, caused by the deposit in tissue, especially of the liver and pancreas, of hemosiderin and other pigments containing iron.

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Other Word Forms

• hemochromatotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of hemochromatosis

First recorded in 1895–1900; hemo- + chromat- + -osis. The variant bronze diabetes was first recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

People with roots in the Outer Hebrides and north west Ireland face the highest known risk of developing hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron.

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2026

Teddy Nicholls inherited a rare condition called neonatal hemochromatosis which can cause fatal liver failure in newborns without treatment.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2023

"It can actually increase your risk of heart disease, which is the effect of hemochromatosis or iron overload, and it can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic fatigue, itchy skin, leg swelling."

From Salon • May 1, 2022

Since 2002, he’s had hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder in which iron builds up in the body, afflicting organs and joints.

From Reuters • Jun. 5, 2020

Add to this a condition called hemochromatosis, or too much iron in the blood, his diabetes and various other problems.

From Washington Times • Oct. 7, 2017