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

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. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 12 Sep. 2024

Abnormally high levels of iron: This is also known as hemochromatosis. —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. —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. —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. —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. —Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 2010

Having too much iron in the body causes a condition called hemochromatosis. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from hem- + chromat- + -osis

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hemochromatosis

noun

he·​mo·​chro·​ma·​to·​sis

variants or chiefly British haemochromatosis

ˌhē-mə-ˌkrō-mə-ˈtō-səs 

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

hemochromatotic adjective

or chiefly British haemochromatotic

-ˈtät-ik