thalassemia

American  

[thal-uh-see-mee-uh] / ˌθæl əˈsi mi ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. a hereditary form of anemia, occurring chiefly in people of Mediterranean origin, marked by the abnormal synthesis of hemoglobin and a consequent shortened life span of red blood cells.

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thalassemia Scientific  

/ thăl′ə-sē′mē-ə /

1. Any of a group of inherited forms of anemia occurring chiefly among people of Mediterranean descent, caused by faulty synthesis of part of the hemoglobin molecule

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Etymology

Origin of thalassemia

1932; < Greek thálass ( a ) sea (alluding to the Mediterranean Sea; the anemia was first reported among children in Mediterranean countries) + -emia

Compare meaning

How does thalassemia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• thalassemia vs. anemia

Example Sentences

Last week, thalassemia patients urged India's parliament to pass the National Blood Transfusion Bill 2025, saying it would strengthen regulation of blood collection, testing and transfusion.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

Another genetic analysis found that women with an inherited blood disorder called beta thalassemia, which produces chronically high levels of GDF15, can protect against morning sickness.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2023

The researchers found the opposite when they asked 20 pregnant people with beta thalassemia, a blood disorder associated with high GDF15 levels, about their pregnancy symptoms: Just 5% of this group reported nausea or vomiting.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 13, 2023

That changed in mid-November when UK regulators approved the first CRISPR-based therapy, which is designed to cure sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2023

Called Casgevy, the treatment is intended to cure sickle-cell disease and a related condition, beta thalassemia.

From New York Times • Nov. 16, 2023