anemia

noun

ane·​mia ə-ˈnē-mē-ə 

1

a

: a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume

b

: ischemia

2

: lack of vitality

Examples of anemia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This blood test can detect markers that indicate infections, anemia (low red blood cell count), cancers, and immune system conditions. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 8 Oct. 2024

They have been used for cleansing purposes for years in industrial settings, such as waste water treatment and cleaning up nuclear waste, as well as the removal of ammonia from animal waste, improving mineral uptake and treating anemia in livestock, and in cat litter. —David Gilbert, WIRED, 3 Oct. 2024

Medical conditions that warrant screening included anemia, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or a current pregnancy, according to the study. —Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 26 Sep. 2024

That leaves them at risk for pain crises, anemia as the stiffened cells break down, organ damage because sickled cells carry less oxygen to tissues, a dangerous blockage of blood vessels in the lungs called acute chest syndrome, high blood pressure, and stroke. —Maryn McKenna, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek anaimia bloodlessness, from a- + -aimia -emia

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing anemia

• anti-anemia
• aplastic anemia
• Cooley's anemia
• hemolytic anemia
• pernicious anemia
• sickle cell anemia

Kids Definition

anemia

noun

ane·​mia ə-ˈnē-mē-ə 

: a condition in which the blood has less than the normal amount of red blood cells, hemoglobin, or total volume and which is usually marked by weakness, exhaustion, pale skin, shortness of breath, and abnormal heartbeat

anemic

-mik

adjective

Medical Definition

anemia

noun

ane·​mia

variants or chiefly British anaemia

ə-ˈnē-mē-ə 

1

: a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume see aplastic anemia, hyperchromic anemia, hypochromic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, microcytic anemia, pernicious anemia, sickle cell anemia compare oligocythemia

2

: ischemia

anemic adjective

or chiefly British anaemic

ə-ˈnē-mik 

anemically adverb

or chiefly British anaemically

-mi-k(ə-)lē