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

Parents of children with thalassemia in India say they are devastated after life-saving blood transfusions left their children HIV-positive, confronting them with illness, social stigma, and uncertainty.

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

Similarly, women with the inherited blood disorder beta thalassemia, which causes them to have naturally very high levels of GDF15 prior to pregnancy, experience little or no nausea or vomiting.

From Science Daily • Dec. 13, 2023

U.S. regulators are expected to approve the therapy for sickle cell disease by 8 December and for beta thalassemia by 30 March 2024.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 21, 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