polycythaemia

/ ˌpɒlɪsaɪˈθiːmɪə /

noun

1. an abnormal condition of the blood characterized by an increase in the number of red blood cells. It can occur as a primary disease of unknown cause ( polycythaemia vera or erythraemia ) or in association with respiratory or circulatory diseases

Word History and Origins

Origin of polycythaemia¹

C19: from _poly- + _cyto- + _-haemia

Example Sentences

The disease can occur in people with no history of bone marrow problems - in which case it is called primary myelofibrosis - and also in people who have essential thrombocythaemia or polycythaemia vera.

Read more on Reuters

He underwent brain surgery and developed the chronic blood disorder polycythaemia, which he believed resulted from the incident.

Read more on The Guardian