Anaemia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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anaemia

[ษ™หˆniหmiษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Anaemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health complications due to insufficient oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. There are various types of anaemia, including iron-deficiency anaemia and vitamin-deficiency anaemia, each with different causes and treatments.

Synonyms

anemia, blood deficiency, lack of hemoglobin.

Examples of usage

  • She was diagnosed with iron-deficiency anaemia after her blood tests.
  • Symptoms of anaemia can often be mistaken for general fatigue.
  • A healthy diet is essential to prevent certain types of anaemia.
  • In severe cases, anaemia can require medical intervention such as blood transfusions.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Types

  • There are several types of anaemia, including iron-deficiency, which happens when the body doesn't have enough iron.
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia occurs when the body doesnโ€™t have enough vitamin B12, often found in animal products.

Symptoms

  • Common symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
  • Because the body isnโ€™t getting enough oxygen, people may feel dizzy or have difficulty concentrating.

Pop Culture

  • Characters in literature and film may be depicted as suffering from anaemia to symbolize weakness or vulnerability.
  • In the anime 'Death Note', the character 'Light Yagami' exhibits symptoms of fatigue which are linked to anaemia.

Prevalence

  • Anaemia affects more than 1.6 billion individuals worldwide, making it a significant public health issue.
  • It is especially common among women and children, often due to nutritional deficiencies.

Origin of 'anaemia'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'anaimia', which means 'lack of blood'.
  • The prefix 'an-' means 'without', highlighting the deficiency in blood cells.

The word 'anaemia' originates from the Greek word 'anemia', which means 'lack of blood'. The prefix 'an-' signifies 'without' or 'lack of', while 'haima' refers to 'blood'. The term began to be used in medical contexts in the early 19th century. The understanding of anaemia has evolved significantly since then, with increased knowledge about its causes, which can include nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, and genetic conditions. As medical science advanced, various classifications of anaemia were developed based on the underlying causes, such as microcytic, macrocytic, and normocytic anaemias. Today, anaemia is recognized as a global health issue affecting millions of people, and ongoing research continues to improve diagnosis and treatment methods.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,709, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.