sickle-cell trait

noun

: an inherited usually asymptomatic blood condition in which some red blood cells tend to sickle but usually not enough to produce anemia and that occurs primarily in individuals of African, Mediterranean, or southwest Asian ancestry who are heterozygous for the gene controlling hemoglobin S

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Raheem Mostert will have the lead-back role, but his primary backup, Tevin Coleman, who has the sickle-cell trait, could be limited or sidelined because of poor air quality. —Eric Branch, SFChronicle.com, 12 Sep. 2020

If the sickle-cell trait is so helpful, why doesn’t everyone have it? —Quanta Magazine, 30 Aug. 2016

The San Diego Chargers had wanted to sign Thomas in 2017 until a routine physical turned up the sickle-cell trait. —Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star, 3 Aug. 2019

Soares has identified the chemical pathway that helps people with the sickle-cell trait tolerate malaria. —Quanta Magazine, 30 Aug. 2016

Brown has to manage a sickle-cell trait that can cause muscle degeneration for those who perform strenuous exercise. —Childs Walker, baltimoresun.com, 1 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sickle-cell trait

noun

: a usually asymptomatic blood condition in which some red blood cells are sickle cells but usually not enough to produce anemia and which occurs in individuals (as those of African or Mediterranean descent) who are heterozygous for the gene controlling hemoglobin S