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hemochromatosis
noun
he·mo·chro·ma·to·sis
ˌhē-mə-ˌkrō-mə-ˈtō-səs
: a hereditary disorder of metabolism involving the deposition of iron-containing pigments in the tissues that is characterized especially by joint or abdominal pain, weakness, and fatigue and that may lead to bronzing of the skin, arthritis, diabetes, cirrhosis, or heart disease if untreated
Examples of hemochromatosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Iron tests can help diagnose anemia (not enough red blood cells) and hemochromatosis (iron overload).
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Sarah Jividen, Health, 12 Dec. 2024
Too much iron in your body (hemochromatosis) can lead to certain autoimmune conditions and chronic liver disease, affecting how your body stores iron.5
Procedure
To collect a blood sample for the ferritin test, a healthcare provider inserts a needle into a vein in your arm.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024
In fact, the most common type of hemochromatosis is hereditary hemochromatosis, which occurs due to a genetic mutation.
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Sarah Jividen, Health, 12 Sep. 2024
Abnormally high levels of iron: This is also known as hemochromatosis.
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Rachel Gurevich, Parents, 30 July 2024
The iron in multivitamins can result in hemochromatosis, which puts patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, liver failure and Alzheimer’s, among other problems.
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Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 28 June 2024
Some potential risks associated with excessive iron intake include:
Iron overload: Consuming too much iron can lead to a condition called iron overload, also known as hemochromatosis.
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Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023
Some doctors don’t know to check ferritin levels to make a diagnosis in a person with a family history of hemochromatosis.
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Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 7 Aug. 2023
One dolphin that had especially high insulin levels compared to others, also had a 10-year history of iron overload, or hemochromatosis.
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Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 2010
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from hem- + chromat- + -osis
First Known Use
1899, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near hemochromatosis
Cite this Entry
“Hemochromatosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hemochromatosis. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Medical Definition
hemochromatosis
noun
he·mo·chro·ma·to·sis
variants
or chiefly British haemochromatosis
plural hemochromatoses
-ˌsēz
: a hereditary disorder of metabolism that involves the deposition of iron-containing pigments in the tissues, is characterized especially by joint or abdominal pain, weakness, and fatigue, may lead to bronzing of the skin, arthritis, diabetes, cirrhosis, or heart disease if untreated, and typically affects men more often than women compare hemosiderosis
More from Merriam-Webster on hemochromatosis
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hemochromatosis
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