
leukemia (n.) progressive blood disease characterized by abnormal accumulation of leucocytes, 1851, on model of German Leukämie (1848), coined by R. Virchow from Greek leukos "clear, white" (from PIE root *leuk- "light, brightness") + haima "blood" (see -emia). Formerly also leucemia.
What is the meaning of leukemia?
Definition of leukemia. : an acute or chronic disease in humans and other warm-blooded animals characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the tissues and often in the blood.
What is the etymology of leukocytosis?
leukemia (n.) progressive blood disease characterized by abnormal accumulation of leucocytes, 1851, on model of German Leukämie (1848), coined by R. Virchow from Greek leukos "clear, white" (from PIE root *leuk- "light, brightness") + haima "blood" (see -emia ). Formerly also leucemia.
What is leukocytoclastic leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are produced. The term leukemia means white blood. White blood cells (leukocytes) are used by the body to fight infections and other foreign substances. Leukocytes are made in the bone marrow.
What are white blood cells used for in leukemia?
White blood cells (leukocytes) are used by the body to fight infections and other foreign substances. Leukocytes are made in the bone marrow. Leukemia leads to an uncontrolled increase in the number of white blood cells.

Where does the word leukemia come from?
Leukemia cells are usually immature (still developing) white blood cells. The term leukemia comes from the Greek words for “white” (leukos) and “blood” (haima).
What does the root word Leuk mean?
whiteLeuk- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “white” or “white blood cell.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in pathology. Leuk- comes from the Greek leukós, meaning “white, bright.” Leuk- is a variant of leuko-, which loses its -o– when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels.
What is this word leukemia?
Definition of leukemia : an acute or chronic disease in humans and other warm-blooded animals characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the tissues and often in the blood.
What is the medical terminology for leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are produced. The term leukemia means white blood. White blood cells (leukocytes) are used by the body to fight infections and other foreign substances.
What is the suffix leukopenia?
Leukocytopenia. Word Roots: Leuk / (white) cyt / (cell) Combining Vowel / o / Suffix: / penia (decrease)
What is a root word in medical terminology?
The root or stem of a medical term usually has been derived from a Greek or Latin noun or verb. This root expresses the basic meaning of the term. However, often that meaning will be modified by the addition of a prefix (at the beginning of the word) or the addition of a suffix (at the end of the word).
What is the suffix for leukemia?
2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -emia. Suffix Definition: blood condition. Definition: the body forming too many white blood cells; type of cancer.
What is the root word for leukocytosis?
Word origin: leukocyte + Latin –osis, from Greek –osis (an increase, a condition). Related forms: leukocytotic (adjective)
What is the common name of leukemia?
Of the four common types of leukemia in adults, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) occur most frequently. Other related blood cancers include myeloproliferative neoplasms and systemic mastocytosis.
What is medical terminology?
Medical terminology is the language used to describe components and processes of the human body, medical procedures, diseases, disorders, and pharmacology. Simply put, it is the vocabulary that medical professionals use to describe the body, what it does, and the treatments they prescribe.
What does the medical term lymphocytes mean?
Listen to pronunciation. (LIM-foh-site) A type of immune cell that is made in the bone marrow and is found in the blood and in lymph tissue.
What does penia mean in medical terms?
deficiencyWhat does -penia mean? The combining form -penia is used like a suffix meaning “lack” or “deficiency.” It is often used in medical terms.
Examples of leukemia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web Johnny was first diagnosed with leukemia in 2015 and had a brief remission before his dad revealed in December 2019 that his child's cancer had come back. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE.com, 3 Feb. 2022 Jones was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2018 and completed treatment eight months later.
Medical Definition of leukemia
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!
What is the term for a disease that causes anemia?
leukemia. noun Pathology. any of several cancers of the bone marrow that prevent the normal manufacture of red and white blood cells and platelets, resulting in anemia, increased susceptibility to infection, and impaired blood clotting.
What is the term for a disease in which white blood cells are unrestrained?
leukemia. n. Any of various acute or chronic neoplastic diseases of the bone marrow in which unrestrained proliferation of white blood cells occurs and which is usually accompanied by anemia, impaired blood clotting, and enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.
What is the disease of the bone marrow?
Any of various acute or chronic neoplastic diseases of the bone marrow in which unrestrained proliferation of white blood cells occurs, usually accompanied by anemia, impaired blood clotting, and enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Certain viruses, genetic defects, chemicals, and ionizing radiation, are associated with an increased risk of leukemia, which is classified according to the cellular maturity of the involved white blood cells.
What are the factors that increase the risk of leukemia?
Certain viruses, genetic defects, chemicals, and ionizing radiation, are associated with an increased risk of leukemia, which is classified according to the cellular maturity of the involved white blood cells. The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011.
What is the name of the cancer that spreads to the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes?
leukemia . A kind of cancer in which the number of white blood cells in the blood greatly increases. Leukemia usually spreads to the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, and other areas of the body, causing destruction of tissues and often resulting in death.
What is the name of the cancer that begins in the bone marrow?
Leukemia . Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are produced. The term leukemia means white blood.
Where are leukocytes made?
Leukocytes are made in the bone marrow. Leukemia leads to an uncontrolled increase in the number of white blood cells. The cancerous cells prevent healthy red cells, platelets, and mature white cells (leukocytes) from being made. Life-threatening symptoms can then develop as normal blood cells decline.
What is a prefix in medical terminology?
Word building reference [ Medical terminology word building ] Medical terminology is composed of a prefix, root word, and suffix: Prefix: A prefix is placed at the beginning of a word to modify or change its meaning. Pre means "before.". Prefixes may also indicate a location, number, or time. Root: central part of a word.
What does "pre" mean in medical terms?
Pre means "before.". Prefixes may also indicate a location, number, or time. Root: central part of a word. Suffix: The ending part of a word that modifies the meaning of the word. Additional resources: [ Intro to med terms] [Med terms rules] [ Med term reference] [ Word building reference ] [Practice Exams]
