anemia

or a·nae·mi·a

[ uh-nee-mee-uh ]

noun

1. Pathology. a quantitative deficiency of the hemoglobin, often accompanied by a reduced number of red blood cells and causing pallor, weakness, and breathlessness.
2. a lack of power, vigor, vitality, or colorfulness:

   His writing suffers from anemia.

anemia

/ əˈniːmɪə /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of anaemia

anemia

/ ə-nē′mē-ə /

1. A deficiency in the oxygen-carrying component of the blood, as in the amount of hemoglobin or the number or volume of red blood cells. Iron deficiency, often caused by inadequate dietary consumption of iron, and blood loss are common causes of anemia.
2. See also aplastic anemia

anemia

1. A condition in which the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen is decreased because of too few red blood cells in circulation or because of too little hemoglobin .

Notes

Because people suffering from anemia often appear weak and pale, the term is frequently used to describe general apathy or weakness: “The team's performance has been pretty anemic these past few weeks.”

Other Words From

• pseudo·a·nemi·a noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anemia¹

First recorded in 1800–10; from New Latin, from Greek anaimía “bloodlessness, lack of blood”; an- ¹, -emia

Word History and Origins

Origin of anemia¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek anaimia lack of blood

Example Sentences

Anemia is a condition involving reduced blood capacity to transport oxygen.

From Salon

This led the research group to incorporate hydroxyurea treatment and analysis into their established clinical trial, Zinc for Infection Prevention in Sickle Cell Anemia.

From Science Daily

Anemia—when people lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body—is another leading cause of maternal mortality.

From National Geographic

Anemia is common and symptoms include fatigue, neuropathy and night sweats.

From Washington Post

Several members cried as the House unanimously agreed to put $1 million into the budget to endow a chair for Sickle Cell Anemia research at the Medical University of South Carolina in Grant’s honor.

From Washington Times