Biology dictionary

Definition

noun

A qualitative or quantitive deficiency of hemoglobin or red blood cells in circulation resulting in a reduced capacity of the blood to carry oxygen to organs and tissues.

Supplement

Iron deficiency, excessive blood loss, excessive hemolysis, and ineffective hematopoiesis may result in anaemia.

Word origin: New Latin, from Greek anaimiā : an-, without + haima, blood.

Variant: anemia

Compare: polycythemia

Related terms:

• deficiency anaemia
• false anaemia
• familial splenic anaemia
• fanconis anaemia
• ground itch anaemia
• haemolytic anaemia
• haemorrhagic anaemia
• megaloblastic anaemia
• microcytic anaemia
• milk anaemia
• mountain anaemia
• sickle cell anaemia
• sideroblastic anaemia
• slaty anaemia