haemoglobin
UK[ˌhiːməˈɡləʊbɪn]US[ˌhiːməˈɡloʊbɪn]
n
the red protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
Morpheme Breakdown
haemo
globin
haemo
blood
globin
protein
Etymology
the word 'haemoglobin' is a modern scientific compound formed in the 19th century from two classical roots. the first part, 'haemo-', derives from the ancient greek word 'haima' (αἷμα), which meant 'blood'. the second part, '-globin', originates from the latin 'globus', meaning 'a spherical form or ball', referencing the globular, spherical shape of this protein molecule. the term was coined to describe the oxygen-carrying pigment of red blood cells, logically combining the concepts of 'blood' and 'globular protein'. this nomenclature follows the systematic tradition of scientific vocabulary, where greek and latin elements are combined to create precise, internationally understood terms.
Analysis
Structure: haemo (blood) + globin (protein)
haemo: from greek 'haima' meaning 'blood'. a combining form used in scientific terms.
globin: from latin 'globus' meaning 'ball, sphere'. a suffix denoting a simple protein, especially one of the globulin type.
Examples
haemoglobin levels are often checked to diagnose anaemia.
iron is a crucial component for the production of haemoglobin.
the doctor noted that her haemoglobin count was within the normal range.