polycythemia vera

noun polycythemia ve·ra \ -ˈvir-ə \

Updated on: 30 Mar 2018

Definition of polycythemia vera

: polycythemia of unknown cause that is marked by increase in total blood volume and accompanied by nosebleed, distension of the circulatory vessels, and enlargement of the spleen — called also erythremia

Recent Examples of polycythemia vera from the Web

Called fedratinib, the drug treats the bone marrow cancers polycythemia vera and myleofibrosis.

— u-t news services, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Celgene to buy San Diego cancer-drug maker Impact for $1.1B," 8 Jan. 2018
With strong evidence the drug works against the bone marrow cancers polycythemia vera and myleofibrosis, approval is likely, said John Hood, the company’s CEO, at the time of the investment from Oberland Capital.

— u-t news services, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Celgene to buy San Diego cancer-drug maker Impact for $1.1B," 8 Jan. 2018
Called fedratinib, the drug treats the bone marrow cancers polycythemia vera and myleofibrosis.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Abandoned blood cancer drug resurrected by San Diego startup," 13 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'polycythemia vera.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of polycythemia vera

New Latin, true polycythemia

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1925

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

polycythemia vera

noun polycythemia ve·ra \ -ˈvir-ə \

medical Definition of polycythemia vera

: chronic polycythemia that is a myeloproliferative disorder of unknown cause characterized by an increase in total blood volume and viscosity and typically accompanied by nosebleed, headache, dizziness, weakness, itchy skin, reddish complexion, distension of the circulatory vessels, and enlargement of the spleen — called also erythremia, erythrocythemia, Vaquez's disease