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

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Compare meaning

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

• thalassemia vs. anemia

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

thalassemia

Like thalassemia, the disease also involves red blood cells and is usually a lifelong condition, affecting patients' joints and leaving them feeling weak and tired.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

In 2011, authorities in Gujarat launched an investigation after 23 children with thalassemia tested positive for HIV following regular blood transfusions at a public hospital.

From BBC ● Dec. 19, 2025

One example is SUPT5H, a gene associated with beta thalassemia, a blood disorder that disrupts hemoglobin production and can lead to moderate to severe anemia.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 16, 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

Almost all those with sickle cell stopped having debilitating pain “crises,” and most beta thalassemia patients were able to forgo the blood transfusions they previously needed.

From Science Magazine ● Nov. 21, 2023

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