Leukemia Meaning and Definition
Leukemia
Pronunciation
/luˈkiːmiə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, characterized by an abnormal growth of white blood cells.
Etymology
The word “leukemia” comes from the Greek words “leukos” meaning “white” and “haima” meaning “blood”.
Usage Notes
Leukemia is often referred to as a “blood cancer” because it affects the production of blood cells in the bone marrow.
Additional Information
Leukemia is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that can cause symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bleeding. There are several types of leukemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Treatment for leukemia typically involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or bone marrow transplantation.
Leukemia is often curable if detected early and treated promptly. However, it can also be a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment to manage.
Cultural References
Leukemia has been featured in several films and TV shows, including “Philadelphia” and “House M.D.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Leukemia patient” or “person with leukemia” are common phrases used to refer to individuals affected by the disease.
Related Words or Phrases
- Blood
- Cancer
- Tumor
Collocations
- Leukemia treatment
- Leukemia diagnosis
- Leukemia therapy
Frequency of Use
Leukemia is a relatively uncommon term in everyday conversation, but it is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Leukamia
- Leukemia
- Leukamie