thalassemia

[ thal-uh-see-mee-uh ]

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.

thalassemia

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of thalassemia¹

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

Example Sentences

Researchers are also exploring in utero therapies for other rare genetic diseases, including the blood disorder alpha thalassemia.

From Science News