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

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 hemolytic anemia and sickle cell 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.

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 Word Forms

• pseudoanemia 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

Luke, who is nicknamed LJ, from Pinchbeck in Lincolnshire, was found to be a match for six-year-old Destiny who was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called sideroblastic anemia in 2020.

From BBC

Ingesting high levels of zinc can also lead to gastrointestinal issues or anemia and pancreatic damage, among other adverse outcomes.

From Los Angeles Times

The bank remains unprotected by any major binding treaties largely due to an anemia of political will by national authorities and a profits-now, costs-later outlook of fishing interests.

From Los Angeles Times

Long-term use can also cause a deficiency of vitamin B-12, which leads to reduced white blood cell count and anemia.

From Los Angeles Times

About 20% of Americans have inadequate vitamin B12 levels, which can impair energy production and lead to anemia, resulting in fatigue.

From Salon