Definition

Noun: A classification of human blood based on the absence of the Rh factor (also known as the Rhesus factor or D antigen) on the surface of red blood cells. This is one of the major blood group systems, alongside the ABO system.

Usage

The term is used in medical, biological, and general contexts to describe a specific blood characteristic. - It is often discussed in relation to pregnancy, blood transfusions, and genetics. - The term is typically hyphenated when used as a compound modifier before a noun.

Examples

• As a subject:
  • Rh-negative blood type is less common in some populations.
• As an object:
  • The test confirmed she has an Rh-negative blood type.
• In a compound modifier:
  • An Rh-negative blood type patient requires special consideration during pregnancy.

Advanced Usage

• In Medical Contexts: The term is central to discussions about Rh incompatibility, a condition that can occur when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby.
• In Genetic Counseling: Used to explain inheritance patterns, as the Rh-negative trait is recessive.

Variants and Related Words

• Rh-negative (adjective): Describing the characteristic of lacking the Rh factor.
  • She is Rh-negative.
• Rh factor (noun): The antigen itself, whose presence or absence defines the blood type.
• Rhesus factor (noun): Synonym for Rh factor.
• Blood group / Blood type (noun): The broader category of classification.

Synonyms

• Rh-negative blood
• Rh-negative blood group

Notes on Meaning

This term refers specifically to the absence of the antigen. It does not describe the ABO type (A, B, AB, or O). A person's complete blood type is a combination of their ABO and Rh status (e.g., O-negative, A-positive).

Noun

1. the blood group whose red cells lack the Rh factor (Rh antigen)