sickle cell anemia
a chronic hereditary blood disease, occurring primarily among Africans or persons of African descent, in which abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped and nonfunctional, characterized by enlarged spleen, chronic anemia, lethargy, weakness, joint pain, and blood clot formation.
Origin of sickle cell anemia
1- Also called sick·le·mi·a [sik-uh-lee-mee-uh, sik-lee-]. /ˌsɪk əˈli mi ə, sɪkˈli-/.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use sickle cell anemia in a sentence
Inherited blood disorders such as sickle-cell anemia can also lead to anemia.
When You Don't Know Where to Turn | Steven J. Bartlett
Scientific definitions for sickle cell anemia
[ sĭk′əl ]
A hereditary disease characterized by red blood cells that are sickle-shaped instead of round because of an abnormality in their hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Because of their shape, the cells can cause blockage of small blood vessels in the organs and bones, reducing the amount of available oxygen.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for sickle cell anemia
A hereditary form of anemia in which the red blood cells become sickle-shaped (shaped like a crescent) and less able to carry oxygen.
Notes for sickle cell anemia
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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