Definition

Noun: A classification of human blood based on the presence of the Rh factor (Rhesus factor), a specific antigen, on the surface of red blood cells. An individual with this blood type has red blood cells that carry the Rh antigen.

Usage

This term is used primarily in medical, biological, and healthcare contexts to describe a fundamental blood group characteristic. It is often discussed in relation to blood transfusions, pregnancy, and genetic inheritance. - As a subject: "Rh-positive blood type is the most common in the population." - As an object: "The test confirmed she has an Rh-positive blood type." - With a possessive: "His Rh-positive blood type meant he could safely receive the transfusion."

Examples

• Before the surgery, the doctor checked if the patient had an Rh-positive blood type.
• Compatibility for donation depends on whether you have an Rh-positive blood type or an Rh-negative one.
• The prevalence of Rh-positive blood type varies in different ethnic groups.

Advanced Usage

• In Medical Scenarios: The term is critical in obstetrics for managing Rh incompatibility between an Rh-negative mother and an Rh-positive fetus, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn.
• In Genetics: The trait for Rh-positive blood is genetically dominant. An individual inherits it if they receive at least one Rh-positive allele from a parent.

Variants and Related Words

• Rh-positive (adjective): Describing the characteristic of having the Rh factor. (e.g., "She is Rh-positive.")
• Rh factor / Rhesus factor (noun): The specific antigen whose presence defines this blood type.
• Blood group / Blood type (noun): The broader category of classification to which Rh-positive belongs.

Synonyms

• Rh+ (abbreviation): The common shorthand used on medical bracelets and records.
• Rhesus positive blood type: A less common, full variant of the term.

Antonyms

• Rh-negative blood type (noun): The blood type characterized by the absence of the Rh factor on red blood cells.
• Rh- (abbreviation): The shorthand for Rh-negative.

Noun

1. the blood group (approximately 85% of people) whose red cells have the Rh factor (Rh antigen)