hemoglobin

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌhɛm.əˈɡloʊ.bɪn/

KK: /hɛməˈɡloʊbɪn/

noun

Definition

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and helps transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

Example

Hemoglobin levels are often measured to assess a person's overall health.

Conversation

Did you know that hemoglobin is what carries oxygen in our blood?

Yeah, I heard that somewhere! It's fascinating how our bodies work.

Exactly! It's amazing that such a small molecule can have such a big job.

Right? I find it incredible how hemoglobin helps us stay alive.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

myoglobin

chlorophyll

cytochrome

Antonyms

deoxyhemoglobin

carbonmonoxyhemoglobin

methemoglobin

Root Explanation

Hemoglobin is formed from 'hemo-' (from Greek 'haima', meaning blood) and 'globin' (from Greek 'globus', meaning sphere or ball). The word refers to the spherical protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood.

Memory Tip

Think of 'blood' ('hemo-') contained in a 'sphere' ('globin') — that's why hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in the blood.

Visually Confused Words

haemoglobin

oxyhemoglobin