leukemia

American  

[loo-kee-mee-uh] / luˈki mi ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. 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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leukemia Scientific  

/ lo̅o̅-kē′mē-ə /

1. 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.

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leukemia Cultural  

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• leukemic
  adjective
• antileukemic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of leukemia

First recorded in 1850–55; earlier leuchaemia, from German Leukämie; equivalent to leuko- + -emia

Explanation

Leukemia is a type of cancer that forms in the blood cells. Leukemia makes it very difficult for the body to fight off infection. Because it dramatically increases the number of white blood cells in a person's body, leukemia decreases red blood cells and platelets, both of which are necessary for keeping us healthy. Additionally, the white blood cells caused by leukemia can't fight infection the way they normally do. The word leukemia comes from the Greek words leukos, "white," and haima, "blood."

Example Sentences

Bean died the next year, at 60, 11 months after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

"You were the most amazing, strong brave little girl with what you fought through," she added, referring to Annie previously having leukemia as a child.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

One of the first targets could be acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer with limited treatment options for many patients.

From Science Daily • May 25, 2026

My brother had already undergone a year of treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

In fifth grade it was Jimmy Myers, leukemia.

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson