leukemia

[loo-kee-mee-uh]

noun

Pathology.

1. 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.

leukemia

1. 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.

leukemia

1. 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.

Other Word Forms

• leukemic adjective
• antileukemic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of leukemia¹

First recorded in 1850–55; earlier leuchaemia, from German Leukämie; equivalent to leuko- + -emia

Example Sentences

In detention, Mukherjee said that the boy suffered from easy bruising and bone pain, both symptoms of leukemia, and missed a June 5 medical appointment related to his cancer treatment.

From Salon

His cause of death was listed as acute myeloid leukemia, which he was diagnosed with in 2023.

From Los Angeles Times

A Honduran woman is fighting to prevent her family’s immediate deportation to Honduras as her 6-year-old son battles acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

From Los Angeles Times

The woman was detained during a visit to Los Angeles Immigration court, along with her two young children, one of whom has leukemia.

From Salon

The youth was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of 3 and has undergone chemotherapy treatments, including injecting chemotherapeutic agents into his cerebrospinal fluid, according to court documents.

From Los Angeles Times