What does leukemia mean?
Leukemia is the general name for a group of cancers that affect blood-forming tissues, most commonly the bone marrow. In many forms, the body produces large numbers of abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly, while normal blood cells are reduced. Leukemias are commonly classified as acute, which develops and progresses rapidly, or chronic, which develops more gradually. The word is also used more specifically to describe particular types of blood cancer, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is a formal medical term and is discussed in relation to diagnosis, treatment, research, and public-health awareness. In American English the usual spelling is “leukemia,” while British English traditionally uses “leukaemia.” The term's unusual history lies in its Greek components: it literally means “white blood,” reflecting the abnormal white blood cells associated with the disease.
nounLeukemia is a group of cancers of the blood-forming tissues, most often originating in the bone marrow and involving abnormal production or proliferation of white blood cells. Its forms include acute and chronic leukemias, which differ chiefly in how quickly they progress.
- A group of cancers affecting the blood and blood-forming tissues, especially the bone marrow, lymphatic system, and white blood cells.
"Researchers are developing targeted therapies for patients with acute leukemia."
"The test revealed leukemia in the patient's blood."
"She works with a research team investigating new treatments for childhood leukemia."
The plural is used when referring to different types of leukemia or to leukemia as a category of disease.
"The clinic specializes in treating leukemias that affect children."
Leukemia literally means “white blood”: its name comes from the abnormal white blood cells that characterize many forms of the disease.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leukemia come from?
The word comes from Greek leukos, meaning “white,” and haima, meaning “blood.” It was developed through medical Latin terminology and refers to the characteristic increase in abnormal white blood cells found in many forms of the disease. The same Greek element leukos appears in related medical words such as leukocyte and leukoderma.
Related word forms
How leukemia is actually used
In American English, the standard spelling is “leukemia”; “leukaemia” is the traditional British spelling. The term names a category of cancers rather than a single disease, and it is usually used in medical and formal contexts.