Thalassemia

n. disease of the blood

Thalassemia (British spelling, "thalassaemia") is an inherited autosomal recessive blood disease. In thalassemia, the genetic defect results in reduced rate of synthesis of one of the globin chains that make up hemoglobin. Reduced synthesis of one of the globin chains causes the formation of abnormal hemoglobin molecules, and this in turn causes the anemia which is the characteristic presenting symptom of the thalassemias.
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Thalassemia describes a group of inherited disorders characterized by reduced or absent amounts of hemoglobin, the [more]Thalassemia - Community and Resources

Noun
1. an inherited form of anemia caused by faulty synthesis of hemoglobin
(synonym) thalassaemia, Mediterranean anemia, Mediterranean anaemia
(hypernym) hypochromic anemia, hypochromic anaemia
(hyponym) Cooley's anemia, Cooley's anaemia, thalassemia major, thalassaemia major

n. thalassemia, disease of blood