Definition

1. Noun:
   • A classification of human blood based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells: A "blood group" is a category that defines the inherited characteristics of a person's red blood cells, which are critical for safe blood transfusions and organ transplants.

Usage

• The term "blood group" is used primarily in medical, biological, and healthcare contexts to discuss compatibility between individuals.
• It is often used interchangeably with "blood type," though "blood type" is more common in everyday American English.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The most common blood groups are A, B, AB, and O.
  • Before the transfusion, the nurse checked the patient's blood group.
  • Your blood group is determined by genetics from your parents.

Advanced Usage

• "to be of the same blood group": to share the same blood type classification.
  • For a successful transplant, the donor and recipient must be of the same blood group or a compatible one.
• "rare blood group": a blood type that is uncommon in the general population.
  • People with a rare blood group are encouraged to donate regularly.

Variants and Related Words

• Blood type (n): A common synonym for "blood group."
  • Do you know your blood type?
• Blood group system (n): The entire system of classification, such as the ABO system or the Rh system.
  • The Rh factor is part of the larger blood group system.

Synonyms

• Blood type: The most direct synonym.
• Blood classification: A more formal term.

Related Phrases

• Blood group antigen: The specific protein or sugar on the red blood cell that defines the group.
  • The presence of the B antigen defines blood group B.
• Blood group antibody: A protein in the plasma that reacts against a foreign blood group antigen.
  • A person with blood group A has antibodies against B antigens.

Notes

• The concept is crucial in medicine. Mismatched blood groups can cause a dangerous immune reaction during a transfusion.
• The main systems are ABO (which gives the letters A, B, AB, O) and Rh (which gives the positive or negative sign, e.g., O+ or AB-).

Noun

1. human blood cells (usually just the red blood cells) that have the same antigens