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

Other forms of iron in iron supplements include heme iron polypeptides (HIP), carbonyl iron, iron amino-acid chelates, and polysaccharide-iron complexes (PIC), which have fewer gastrointestinal side effects when compared to the ferric and ferrous salts. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 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

Key Takeaways Lamb and beef are excellent, comparable sources of highly absorbable heme iron. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 20 Jan. 2026

Red meat can also raise your risk of cancer due to the presence of heme iron and formation of potential carcinogens like heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons when the meat is cooked under high heat. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 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