pernicious anemia

noun

, Pathology.

1. a severe anemia caused by the diminution or absence of stomach acid secretion, with consequent failure of the gastric mucosa to secrete the intrinsic factor necessary for the absorption of vitamin B 1 2 , characterized by a great reduction in the number of red blood cells and an increase in their size.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pernicious anemia¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

In humans, impaired stomach lining stems from gastric surgery, chronic inflammation or pernicious anemia — a medical condition characterized by fatigue and a long list of other symptoms.

From Salon

Q: I was diagnosed a decade ago with pernicious anemia.

From Seattle Times

Run ragged from weeks of campaigning across the West while fighting strep throat and tonsillitis, she died the next month, at age 30, from pernicious anemia.

From New York Times

Individuals with pernicious anemia, which affects up to 2 percent of older adults, are also susceptible.

From New York Times

My deficiency might be caused by an autoimmune disease called pernicious anemia.

From Washington Post