aplastic anemia

noun

aplas·​tic anemia (ˌ)ā-ˈpla-stik- 

: anemia that is characterized by defective function of the blood-forming organs (such as the bone marrow) and is caused by toxic agents (such as chemicals or X-rays) or is idiopathic in origin

Examples of aplastic anemia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract are especially sensitive, and people may develop aplastic anemia, a rare blood disorder in which the marrow cannot make new blood cells, and a devastating and rapid form of leukemia. —Monique Brouillette, Popular Mechanics, 28 Aug. 2023

Cameron, then 6, had an immune system compromised first by severe aplastic anemia and then by the marrow transplant. —Dave Kallmann, Journal Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2023

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lung cancer, prostate cancer, aplastic anemia, colon cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, asbestosis, Ewing’s sarcoma, emphysema, cancer of the brain, cancer of the heart: these are some of the illnesses that appeared in our town. —Rosemary McClure, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2021

Along with hypothyroid conditions, perchlorate has also been implicated in aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis, conditions characterized by a life-threatening deficiency of blood cells. —David Warmflash, Discover Magazine, 20 June 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

aplastic anemia

noun

: severe anemia that results from defective functioning of the bone marrow with an abnormal reduction in blood cells and that is characterized especially by headache, fatigue, paleness, fever, recurrent infections, bruising or rashes, and rapid or irregular heartbeat

Note: Aplastic anemia is often of unknown cause but may occur as a congenital or inherited condition (as in Fanconi's anemia) or be caused by exposure to toxic agents (such as chemicals, drugs, or X-rays) or infection with pathogens (such as hepatitis virus or HIV).

called also hypoplastic anemia