leukemia

[ loo-kee-mee-uh ]
/ luˈki mi ə /

noun Pathology.

any of several cancers of the bone marrow that prevent the normal manufacture of red and white blood cells and platelets, resulting in anemia, increased susceptibility to infection, and impaired blood clotting.

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Also leucemia.

Origin of leukemia

1850–55; earlier leuchaemia < German Leukämie (1848). See leuco-, -emia

OTHER WORDS FROM leukemia

leu·ke·mic, adjectivean·ti·leu·ke·mic, adjective, noun

Words nearby leukemia

leud, leuk-, leukaemia, leukapheresis, leukas, leukemia, leukemia cutis, leukemic reticuloendotheliosis, leukemic retinopathy, leukemid, leukemogen
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for leukemia

Medical definitions for leukemia

leukemia
[ lōō-kē′mē-ə ]

n.

Any of various acute or chronic neoplastic diseases of the bone marrow in which unrestrained proliferation of white blood cells occurs and which is usually accompanied by anemia, impaired blood clotting, and enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.

Other words from leukemia

leu•ke′mic adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for leukemia

leukemia
[ lōō-kē′mē-ə ]

Any of various acute or chronic neoplastic diseases of the bone marrow in which unrestrained proliferation of white blood cells occurs, usually accompanied by anemia, impaired blood clotting, and enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Certain viruses, genetic defects, chemicals, and ionizing radiation, are associated with an increased risk of leukemia, which is classified according to the cellular maturity of the involved white blood cells.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for leukemia

leukemia
[ (looh-kee-mee-uh) ]

A kind of cancer in which the number of white blood cells in the blood greatly increases. Leukemia usually spreads to the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, and other areas of the body, causing destruction of tissues and often resulting in death.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.