microcytic anaemia
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun A type of anemia characterized by the presence of abnormally small red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood.
Usage
The term is used in medical contexts to classify and diagnose a specific form of anemia based on the physical size of the red blood cells. It describes a condition, not an action.
Examples
- The blood test revealed microcytic anaemia, prompting further investigation for iron deficiency.
- Common causes of microcytic anaemia include thalassemia and chronic blood loss.
- The patient's fatigue and pallor were consistent with a diagnosis of microcytic anaemia.
Advanced Usage
The condition is often discussed in terms of its underlying causes and diagnostic parameters, such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV).
Variants and Related Words
- Microcytic anemia (alternative spelling, chiefly US English).
- Microcytosis (noun): The condition of having microcytes (small red blood cells); it is the cellular finding that defines microcytic anaemia.
- Hypochromic microcytic anaemia: A more specific term indicating the small red blood cells are also pale due to insufficient hemoglobin.
Different Meanings
As a specialized medical term, 'microcytic anaemia' does not have other common meanings outside this specific hematological context.
Synonyms
- Microcytic anemia (spelling variant).
- There are no true conceptual synonyms, as it is a precise technical term. Broader related terms include simply "anemia."
Idioms
This term is not used in idiomatic expressions.
Phrasal Verbs
This term is a noun phrase and does not have associated phrasal verbs.
Noun
- anemia in which the average size of erythrocytes is smaller than normal