leukaemia

 
Pronunciation: /luːˈkiːmɪə/
(US leukemia)

noun

[mass noun]
  • a malignant progressive disease in which the bone marrow and other blood-forming organs produce increased numbers of immature or abnormal leucocytes. These suppress the production of normal blood cells, leading to anaemia and other symptoms.

Derivatives

leukaemic

adjective

Origin:

mid 19th century: coined in German from Greek leukos 'white' + haima 'blood'

Spelling help

Spell leukaemia with -ae- in the middle (the spelling leukemia is American).