Definition

A type of hemoglobin that is brownish-red and cannot carry oxygen because it has been oxidized, often due to certain drugs or toxins.

Example

The patient's blood showed high levels of methemoglobin, which made it difficult for him to breathe.

Conversation

Did you know that methemoglobin can form when blood is exposed to certain chemicals?

Really? I had no idea that could happen.

Yeah, and it can't carry oxygen, which is pretty dangerous.

That sounds serious! I guess we should be careful with those substances.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Methemoglobin is formed from "meta-" (meaning beyond or change) and "hemoglobin" (from Greek "haima" meaning blood and "globin" from Latin "globus" meaning sphere). The term refers to a form of hemoglobin that has undergone a change, specifically in its ability to carry oxygen in the blood.

Memory Tip

Think of 'meta-' meaning 'beyond' or 'change' and 'hemoglobin' as the blood protein that carries oxygen. This helps you remember that methemoglobin is a changed form of hemoglobin that affects how blood carries oxygen.

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