Definition

1. Noun (Medical):
   • A condition in which the blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells or quantity of hemoglobin, reducing its capacity to carry oxygen to the body's tissues.
2. Noun (General):
   • A lack of vitality, vigor, or liveliness; a state of weakness or listlessness.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Medical):
  • The doctor diagnosed her with iron-deficiency anemia.
  • Fatigue and pale skin are common symptoms of anemia.
• Noun (General):
  • The anemia of the city's cultural life was a topic of much discussion.
  • The report highlighted the economic anemia of the region.

Advanced Usage

• "Pernicious anemia": A specific type of anemia caused by the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12.
  • She receives regular injections to manage her pernicious anemia.
• "Sickle cell anemia": A severe, inherited form of anemia where red blood cells become misshapen.
  • Research into treatments for sickle cell anemia has advanced significantly.

Variants and Related Words

• Anaemia (noun): The British English spelling of "anemia".
• Anemic (adjective):
  • (Medical) Relating to or suffering from anemia. The patient was anemic.
  • (General) Lacking in spirit, force, or color; weak. The performance was criticized for its anemic dialogue.

Synonyms

• For the medical condition: Blood deficiency.
• For the general meaning: Lethargy, lifelessness, weakness, pallor (in context).

Related Phrases

• "To suffer from anemia": To have the medical condition.
  • Many pregnant women suffer from mild anemia.
• "Anemic growth" (figurative): Very weak or insufficient growth, especially in economic contexts.
  • The company reported anemic growth for the third consecutive quarter.

Noun

1. genus of terrestrial or lithophytic ferns having pinnatifid fronds; chiefly of tropical America
2. a lack of vitality
3. a deficiency of red blood cells