noun

leukaemia

leukemia

He was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia.

He was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.

((to be diagnosed with leukemia)) to be told by a doctor one has leukemia He was diagnosed with leukemia.

Synonyms: blood cancer

From Greek 'leukos' (white) + 'haima' (blood), literally 'white blood', referring to the high number of abnormal white blood cells.

Break it down: 'leuk-' (white) and '-emia' (blood condition). Think 'white blood' disease. Note the American '-e-' spelling.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.