haemophilia

/ˌhiːməˈfɪliə

haemophilia

English Noun

Definition

Any of several hereditary illnesses that impair the body's ability to control bleeding, usually passed from mother to son.

Etymology

From haemo- + -philia, from Ancient Greek αἷμα (haîma, “blood”) + φιλία (philía, “friendship”). Originally called haemorrhaphilia, probably from the word haemorrhage.