leukemic
Meaning
Relating to, affected by, or characteristic of leukemia (a type of cancer of the blood-forming tissues).
Structure
Usage
The patient underwent a bone marrow transplant to treat the leukemic cells.
Researchers are studying new drugs for leukemic disorders.
A leukemic rash may appear as small, red spots on the skin.
Etymology
The word 'leukemic' is a modern medical adjective derived from 'leukemia', which itself was coined in the 19th century. It combines the Greek roots leukos (white) and haima (blood), literally describing a condition of the "white blood". This name originates from the early observation of an abnormally high number of colorless (white) blood cells in the bloodstream of affected patients. The suffix -ic, of Greek and Latin origin, is then added to form the adjective meaning "pertaining to this disease of the white blood".
Analysis
- leuk: From Greek leukos, meaning "white, bright, clear". In this word, it refers to the white blood cells. - em: A combining form from Greek haima, meaning "blood". The spelling is altered to 'em' in this compound. - ic: A suffix from Latin -icus, Greek -ikos, used to form adjectives meaning "of, pertaining to, or having the nature of".