favism

noun

fav·​ism ˈfä-ˌvi-zəm How to pronounce favism (audio)
: a condition especially of males of Mediterranean descent that is marked by the development of hemolytic anemia upon consumption of fava beans or inhalation of fava bean pollen and is caused by a usually inherited deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate

Examples of favism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Reza likely had a condition called favism. Jonathan Reisman, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2016 Further testing confirmed the diagnosis of favism, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Jonathan Reisman, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'favism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of favism was circa 1927

Dictionary Entries Near favism

Cite this Entry

“Favism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/favism. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

favism

noun
: a condition especially of males of Mediterranean descent that is marked by the development of hemolytic anemia upon consumption of broad beans or inhalation of broad bean pollen and is caused by a usually inherited deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate

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