anemia

noun

ane·​mia ə-ˈnē-mē-ə How to pronounce anemia (audio)
Synonyms of anemianext
1
a
: a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume
b
: ischemia
2
: lack of vitality

Examples of anemia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the same time, some mothers fail to attend prenatal clinics where complications such as anemia and hypertension can be detected. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 She was captured and brought to the Ojai Raptor Center, where she was found to be suffering from severe anemia. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026 Mental health conditions such as depression can sap both energy and motivation, while medical issues including hypothyroidism, anemia and chronic fatigue syndrome can also cause debilitating symptoms. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Key Takeaways Iron deficiency can occur without anemia and may cause symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog. — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anemia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek anaimia bloodlessness, from a- + -aimia -emia

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of anemia was in 1800

Phrases Containing anemia

Rhymes for anemia

See All Rhymes for anemia

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Anemia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anemia. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

anemia

noun
ane·​mia ə-ˈnē-mē-ə How to pronounce anemia (audio)
: a condition in which the blood has less than the normal amount of red blood cells, hemoglobin, or total volume and which is usually marked by weakness, exhaustion, pale skin, shortness of breath, and abnormal heartbeat
anemic
-mik
adjective

Medical Definition

anemia

noun
ane·​mia
variants or chiefly British anaemia
ə-ˈnē-mē-ə How to pronounce anemia (audio)
1
: a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume see aplastic anemia, hyperchromic anemia, hypochromic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, microcytic anemia, pernicious anemia, sickle cell anemia compare oligocythemia
2
: ischemia
anemic adjective
or chiefly British anaemic
ə-ˈnē-mik How to pronounce anemia (audio)
anemically adverb
or chiefly British anaemically
-mi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce anemia (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on anemia

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for anemia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anemia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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