What does leukaemia mean?
Leukaemia is a collective term for cancers of the blood and bone marrow. These diseases affect the production and functioning of blood cells, including white cells, red cells, and platelets, and may occur in acute or chronic forms. Different types are distinguished according to the cell lineage involved and features such as how quickly the disease progresses. Leukaemia is not a single disorder but a broad category of malignant blood diseases, and the precise diagnosis usually depends on blood tests, genetic analysis, and examination of bone marrow. The word is also used figuratively in some older literary contexts for a malignant or destructive influence, although this usage is uncommon in modern medical writing. The British spelling is “leukaemia,” while American English generally uses “leukemia.”
nounAny of a group of cancers affecting the blood and bone marrow, in which the production or function of blood cells is disrupted. The term includes acute and chronic forms, such as acute myeloid leukaemia and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
- A group of cancers affecting the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the abnormal growth or function of blood cells.
"Her leukaemia was diagnosed after routine blood tests revealed an unusually high white blood cell count."
"Researchers are testing a targeted treatment for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia."
"The charity provides support to children and families affected by childhood leukaemia."
Normally used when referring to distinct forms of the disease, as in “different types of leukaemia,” rather than as a regular count noun for individual cases.
"Some forms of leukaemia respond well to intensive treatment."
Leukaemia takes its name from the Greek words leukos, meaning “white,” and haima, meaning “blood.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leukaemia come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from Greek leukos, meaning “white,” and haima, meaning “blood.” The name refers to the pale or whitish appearance associated with the abnormal blood cells characteristic of the disease. The American spelling leukemia reflects the form commonly used in scientific English outside Britain.
Related word forms
How leukaemia is actually used
The spelling “leukaemia” is standard in British English and is also used in some other varieties of English. “Leukemia” is the usual US spelling. In medical contexts, the term refers to a family of diseases rather than a single disease, and the specific type is normally identified by further classification.
Easily confused with leukaemia
Leukaemia is the traditional British spelling, while leukemia is the standard spelling in American English.