noun

anaemia

uh-NEE-mee-uh

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Anaemia (noun) means a medical condition in which the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to the body's tissues, because of too few red blood cells or too little haemoglobin, causing paleness and tiredness. Example: “Her doctor diagnosed anaemia after a routine blood test.”

noun

medical A medical condition in which the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to the body's tissues, because of too few red blood cells or too little haemoglobin, causing paleness and tiredness.

"Her doctor diagnosed anaemia after a routine blood test."

"Iron supplements are often prescribed to treat anaemia."

"Fatigue and pale skin are common signs of anaemia."

medical A disease or condition that has anaemia as one of its symptoms.

"The specialist explained which anaemia was affecting his blood cell count."

"Sickle cell disease is one of the anaemias found in her family."

"There are several anaemias caused by vitamin deficiencies."

How to use anaemia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA condition where your blood struggles to carry enough oxygen, leaving you tired and pale.

When to use it

Anaemia is the standard British and Commonwealth spelling of the American anemia.

Memory tip

Say the word in four parts, uh-NEE-mee-uh, with the stress falling on the second syllable.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

ischaemia

Common pairings

iron-deficiency anaemia diagnosed with anaemia signs of anaemia treat anaemia

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Her doctor diagnosed _____ after a routine blood test.

Etymology

Anaemia comes from Ancient Greek, formed from a prefix meaning not and a word for blood, joined with an ending used for medical conditions. It entered English as a direct borrowing of this Greek term describing a deficiency in the blood.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for anaemia

Odia aria India Syria ataxia Latvia acacia Zambia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia

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Frequently asked questions

What does anaemia mean?

Anaemia is a condition where the blood cannot transport enough oxygen around the body, usually because of a shortage of red blood cells or haemoglobin, leading to tiredness and pale skin.

What causes anaemia?

It can result from too few red blood cells or too little haemoglobin in the blood, which reduces its ability to carry oxygen to the tissues.

Is anaemia the same as anemia?

Yes, anaemia and anemia describe the same condition; anaemia is simply the British spelling and anemia is the American spelling.

What is the meaning of anaemia?

"anaemia" (noun) means a medical condition in which the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to the body's tissues, because of too few red blood cells or too little haemoglobin, causing paleness and tiredness.