leukemia

Definition

Any of a class of types of cancer affecting the blood cells, especially the white blood cells (usually with massive leukocytosis), and the blood cell–forming (hematopoietic) tissues.

Etymology

From German Leukämie, from Ancient Greek λευκός (leukós, “white”) + αἷμα (haîma, “blood”). By surface analysis, leuk- + -emia.

Example Sentences

• "The subjects suffered from lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemias."
• "In an era when political leaders promise deliverance from decline through America’s purported preeminence in scientific research, the news that science is in deep trouble in the United States has been as unwelcome as a diagnosis of leukemia following the loss of health insurance."