Anaemia is a medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that arises when the body lacks sufficient red blood cells to transport oxygen to the body’s tissues. Anaemia can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, among other symptoms. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and origin of anaemia, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Anaemia is defined as a condition in which the body lacks sufficient red blood cells to transport oxygen to the body’s tissues. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines anaemia as a haemoglobin concentration of less than 12.0 g/dL in women and less than 13.0 g/dL in men.
Origin
The word anaemia originates from the Greek word “anaimia,” which means “lack of blood.” The term was first used in the medical field in the early 1800s to describe a condition in which the blood was deficient in iron.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, anaemia is “a condition in which the blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells or a lower than normal amount of haemoglobin.” Merriam-Webster defines anaemia as “a condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or of haemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness.”
Associations
Anaemia is commonly associated with iron deficiency, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, blood loss, or a lack of iron absorption. Other causes of anaemia include vitamin deficiencies, chronic diseases, and genetic disorders.
Synonyms
Synonyms of anaemia include bloodlessness, pallor, and weakness.
Antonyms
Antonyms of anaemia include vitality, strength, and vigour.
The same root words
The root word of anaemia is “haem,” which is derived from the Greek word for blood. Other words that share this root include haemoglobin, haematology, and haemophilia.
Example Sentences
- “The patient’s anaemia was caused by a lack of iron in their diet.”
- “The doctor prescribed iron supplements to treat the patient’s anaemia.”
- “Anaemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.”
- “The patient’s pallor was a clear sign of anaemia.”