Rh factor

[ ahr-eych-fak-ter ]

/ ˈɑrˈeɪtʃ ˌfæk tər /

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noun Physiology.

an inherited antigen found on the red blood cells of most people and certain other primates: those with this antigen are Rh positive while those lacking it are Rh negative , the determination of which is especially important when assessing blood-type compatibility for transfusions and pregnancy.

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Also called Rh .

Origin of Rh factor

First recorded in 1940–45; so called because first found in the blood of rhesus monkeys

Words nearby Rh factor

rheumatologist, rheumatology, rheumy, rhexis, Rheydt, Rh factor, RHG, Rhiannon, rhigolene, rhin-, rhinal

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Rh factor in a sentence

It is the steady accretion of detail that may yet be the most damaging factor in the battle for British hearts and minds.
From Playboy Prince to Dirty Old Man?|Tom Sykes|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The quality of the music is a major factor in this recent surge.
Down With the King: Christianity Isn’t Hiding in Rap’s Closet|Stereo Williams|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Therefore in our view we need to talk about our wood management before any other factor in the maturation of The Macallan.
Why Natural Color Is So Crucial To Understanding A Whisky’s Flavors||December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But while the GoPro is impressive by itself, it has some serious wow factor when combined with a drone.
Why Every Home Needs a Drone This Holiday|Charlie Gilbert|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The main factor at the time was simply a lack of opportunity before we ended the book for the big New 52 line-wide relaunch.
Gail Simone’s Bisexual Catman and the ‘Secret Six’|Rich Goldstein|December 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Where goods are confided to a factor without instructions, authority to exercise a fair and reasonable discretion is implied.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
The authority of a factor to fix the terms of selling may be by agreement or by usage, like any other agent.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
A factor is employed to sell goods, and not to barter or exchange them, and if he should do this his principal could recover them.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
The true causes of the depression were not within the control of the Insular Government or of any ruling factor.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
This pronunciation of the nasal vowels in French is, as is well known, an important factor in the famous "accent du Midi."
Frdric Mistral|Charles Alfred Downer

British Dictionary definitions for Rh factor

Rh factor

noun

an agglutinogen commonly found in human blood: it may cause a haemolytic reaction, esp during pregnancy or following transfusion of blood that does not contain this agglutinogenFull name: rhesus factor See also Rh positive, Rh negative

Word Origin for Rh factor

C20: named after the rhesus monkey, in which it was first discovered

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for Rh factor

Rh factor

[ är′āch′ ]

Any of several antigens present on the surface of red blood cells in most humans. People with Rh factors are classified as having a blood type that is Rh positive, while people who lack the antigen are said to be Rh negative and can produce powerful antibodies that destroy red blood cells if given a blood transfusion from an Rh-positive donor. A woman who is Rh negative and is pregnant with an Rh-positive fetus can produce antibodies that are life threatening to the fetus. See Note at blood type.

Cultural definitions for Rh factor

Rh factor

[ (ahr-aych) ]

Any of several substances found on the surface of red blood cells in persons.

notes for Rh factor

An Rh-negative woman who gives birth to an Rh-positive baby may develop antibodies to the Rh factor during her first pregnancy. These antibodies may cause a disorder in Rh-positive babies conceived afterward that could result in the death of the infant if the condition is not recognized and treated.