heme

noun

ˈhēm 

: the deep red iron-containing prosthetic group C₃₄H₃₂N₄O₄Fe of hemoglobin and myoglobin

Examples of heme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To improve iron levels, focus on eating heme iron sources like red meat and take iron supplements with vitamin C to enhance absorption. — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2026

Studies have also linked the risks of certain cancers and Type 2 diabetes to heme iron, a form of the mineral that’s found only in animal tissue and is more easily absorbed than the iron in plants. — Rich Bellis, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026

Pair your non-heme-iron foods with heme-iron-rich foods, such as poultry and fish. — Joy Emeh, Health, 12 Mar. 2026

Preventing Anemia Red meat contains heme iron, which is the type that your body most readily absorbs. — Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from hematin

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

heme

noun

ˈhēm 

: a deep red pigment that contains iron and is obtained from hemoglobin

Medical Definition

heme

noun

variants or chiefly British haem

ˈhēm 

: the deep red iron-containing prosthetic group C₃₄H₃₂N₄O₄Fe of hemoglobin and myoglobin that is a ferrous derivative of protoporphyrin and readily oxidizes to hematin or hemin

called also protoheme