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polycythemic

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌpɒlɪˈsaɪθɛmɪk/

KK: /pɑːlɪˈsaɪθɛmɪk/

adjective
Definition

Relating to a condition where there is an increased number of red blood cells in the blood.


Example

The doctor diagnosed him as polycythemic after reviewing his blood test results.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about Mark's recent health check-up?
Sloth B
Yeah, I heard he might be polycythemic based on his tests.
Sloth A
That's concerning; I hope he can manage it well.
Sloth B
Me too! It's important for him to follow the doctor's advice.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hyperemic
erythremic
red
Antonyms
anemic
hypoxic
pale
Root Explanation

Polycythemic → It is formed from "poly-" (from Greek "polus", meaning many) and "cythemic" (from Greek "kytos", meaning cell, and "haima", meaning blood). The word describes a condition characterized by an increase in the number of blood cells, particularly red blood cells, in the bloodstream.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') cells ('cythemic') in the blood — that's what polycythemic means.

Visually Confused Words
oligocythemic
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