Definition

A condition where there is an unusually high level of hemoglobin in the blood, which can happen due to a decrease in plasma volume or an increase in red blood cells. This can be caused by various factors, including certain diseases or disorders related to breathing or circulation.

Example

The doctor diagnosed him with polycythaemia after reviewing his blood test results.

Conversation

I read about this condition called polycythaemia the other day.

Oh really? What is it about?

It's when there's an abnormal increase in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.

That sounds serious; I hope it’s something that can be treated easily.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polycythaemia → It is formed from "poly-" (meaning many) and "cythaemia" (from Greek "kytos" meaning cell and "haima" meaning blood). The word refers to a condition characterized by an increased number of cells in the blood, particularly red blood cells.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') cells in the 'blood' ('cythaemia') — that's why polycythaemia means having many cells in the blood.

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