anemia

noun

ane·​mia ə-ˈnē-mē-ə How to pronounce anemia (audio)
1
a
: a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume
b
2
: lack of vitality

Examples of anemia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Apart from a risk of anemia, patients reported fewer side effects than standard pancreatic cancer medications. Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 This anemia happens when your red blood cells break down faster than normal. Becca Longmire, People.com, 4 July 2025 While those who are pregnant and who've been exposed to the virus in the past are immune to the infection, between one-third to two-thirds of pregnant people are not, placing their baby at risk of anemia or death if the virus spreads from the mom to the baby through the placenta. Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 The gas can poison anyone, but infants, older adults and people with anemia, chronic heart disease or breathing problems are more likely to get sick. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anemia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek anaimia bloodlessness, from a- + -aimia -emia

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of anemia was in 1800

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anemia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anemia. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

anemia

noun
ane·​mia ə-ˈnē-mē-ə How to pronounce anemia (audio)
: a condition in which the blood has less than the normal amount of red blood cells, hemoglobin, or total volume and which is usually marked by weakness, exhaustion, pale skin, shortness of breath, and abnormal heartbeat
anemic
-mik
adjective

Medical Definition

anemia

noun
ane·​mia
variants or chiefly British anaemia
1
: a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume see aplastic anemia, hyperchromic anemia, hypochromic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, microcytic anemia, pernicious anemia, sickle cell anemia compare oligocythemia
2
anemic adjective
or chiefly British anaemic
anemically adverb
or chiefly British anaemically

More from Merriam-Webster on anemia

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