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Hemoglobin: meaning, definitions and examples

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hemoglobin

 

[ˈhiːməˌɡloʊbɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

protein molecule

A red protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood of vertebrates. It consists of four subunits, each containing an iron atom that binds to an oxygen molecule.

Synonyms

myoglobin, oxyhemoglobin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hemoglobin

Use this term when talking about the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It is a general term used in both medical and everyday contexts.

  • Hemoglobin levels were tested during the blood donation process.
  • Low hemoglobin can cause symptoms like fatigue and weakness.

Examples of usage

  • Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
  • The iron in hemoglobin gives blood its red color.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues throughout the body.

Synonyms

erythrogen, globulin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is commonly used in medical and biological contexts to refer to the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It is a term frequently encountered in discussions about blood health, anemia, and respiratory functions.

  • The doctor ordered a blood test to check my hemoglobin levels.
  • Low hemoglobin can be a sign of anemia.
erythrogen

Erythrogen is a less common term and may be used in specific scientific or medical texts, often discussing substances or factors that stimulate the production of red blood cells. It is highly technical and not generally used in everyday language.

  • The study focused on identifying erythrogenic factors that could enhance red blood cell production.
globulin

Globulin refers to a group of proteins within the blood plasma that play a role in immune function, blood clotting, and other vital processes. The term is frequently used in medical discussions about immune disorders, liver disease, and protein levels in the blood.

  • The patient's blood test showed an imbalance in globulin levels.
  • Gamma globulins are crucial components of the immune system.

Examples of usage

  • Low hemoglobin levels can result in fatigue and weakness.
  • Anemia is often characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin levels.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from ancient Greek, 'haima' meaning blood, and 'globin', which refers to a type of protein.
  • It was first identified in 1840 by scientist Friedrich Ludwig Gottlieb, who helped expand our understanding of blood's composition.

Science

  • Hemoglobin can bind to carbon dioxide too, carrying it back to the lungs for you to breathe out.
  • The protein structure of hemoglobin allows it to change shape, helping it pick up oxygen in the lungs and release it in tissues.
  • Each hemoglobin molecule can carry up to four oxygen molecules at a time, making it very efficient.

Health

  • Low levels of hemoglobin can lead to anemia, which makes people feel tired and weak since their bodies aren’t getting enough oxygen.
  • Believed to be essential for endurance, athletes may monitor their hemoglobin levels to optimize their performance.

Cultural References

  • In literature and poetry, references to 'red blood' often invoke ideas of life and vitality, symbolizing energy linked to hemoglobin.
  • Many songs and artworks that celebrate life and vitality indirectly reference the importance of blood and the role of hemoglobin in sustaining life.

Technology

  • Researchers use hemoglobin in medical devices to create artificial blood, which could help during blood shortages in hospitals.
  • Biotechnology is exploring ways to enhance hemoglobin's function to improve oxygen delivery to organs in critically ill patients.

Translations

Translations of the word "hemoglobin" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hemoglobina

🇮🇳 हीमोग्लोबिन

🇩🇪 Hämoglobin

🇮🇩 hemoglobin

🇺🇦 гемоглобін

🇵🇱 hemoglobina

🇯🇵 ヘモグロビン

🇫🇷 hémoglobine

🇪🇸 hemoglobina

🇹🇷 hemoglobin

🇰🇷 헤모글로빈

🇸🇦 هيموغلوبين

🇨🇿 hemoglobin

🇸🇰 hemoglobín

🇨🇳 血红蛋白

🇸🇮 hemoglobin

🇮🇸 hemóglóbín

🇰🇿 гемоглобин

🇬🇪 ჰემოგლობინი

🇦🇿 hemoglobin

🇲🇽 hemoglobina

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,859, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.