hemochromatosis

noun

he·​mo·​chro·​ma·​to·​sis ˌhē-mə-ˌkrō-mə-ˈtō-səs 

: a hereditary disorder of metabolism involving the deposition of iron-containing pigments in the tissues that is characterized especially by joint or abdominal pain, weakness, and fatigue and that may lead to bronzing of the skin, arthritis, diabetes, cirrhosis, or heart disease if untreated

Examples of hemochromatosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some potential risks associated with excessive iron intake include: Iron overload: Consuming too much iron can lead to a condition called iron overload, also known as hemochromatosis. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023

Some doctors don’t know to check ferritin levels to make a diagnosis in a person with a family history of hemochromatosis. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 7 Aug. 2023

One dolphin that had especially high insulin levels compared to others, also had a 10-year history of iron overload, or hemochromatosis. —Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 2010

Having too much iron in the body causes a condition called hemochromatosis. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022

Untreated, hemochromatosis ultimately leads to multiorgan failure and death. —Jennifer C. Lovejoy, Scientific American, 7 Dec. 2022

The treatment for hemochromatosis is straightforward: regular blood donation until iron levels return to normal. —Jennifer C. Lovejoy, Scientific American, 7 Dec. 2022

However, until recently, the American Red Cross has not accepted blood donations from people with hereditary hemochromatosis. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 10 Oct. 2022

Hereditary hemochromatosis is caused by the body absorbing too much iron due to a genetic defect. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 10 Oct. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from hem- + chromat- + -osis

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hemochromatosis

noun

he·​mo·​chro·​ma·​to·​sis

variants or chiefly British haemochromatosis

ˌhē-mə-ˌkrō-mə-ˈtō-səs 

plural hemochromatoses -ˌsēz 

: a hereditary disorder of metabolism that involves the deposition of iron-containing pigments in the tissues, is characterized especially by joint or abdominal pain, weakness, and fatigue, may lead to bronzing of the skin, arthritis, diabetes, cirrhosis, or heart disease if untreated, and typically affects men more often than women compare hemosiderosis

hemochromatotic adjective

or chiefly British haemochromatotic

-ˈtät-ik