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

Along with heme, the study authors found the bone contained traces of manganese oxides, minerals that may have further helped stabilize and preserve the cells. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026

Analysis of bone extracts identified heme B and an altered relative. — New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026

Shapiro agrees and encourages combining both heme and non-heme sources in the same meal. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026

Consuming non-heme iron with vitamin C or heme iron sources may increase absorption. — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 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