greensickness: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicHistorical / Literary / Medical (historical)
Quick answer
What does “greensickness” mean?
Chlorosis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Chlorosis; a form of anemia, chiefly in adolescent girls, characterized by a greenish pallor of the skin.
A dated or archaic medical term for iron-deficiency anemia, historically thought to affect young unmarried women. Can be used figuratively to describe a state of pallor, weakness, or lack of vitality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries the same historical/medical connotations. May be slightly more recognisable in UK contexts due to its appearance in classic English literature.
Frequency
Extremely rare and dated in both. Likely only encountered in historical medical writing or pre-20th century literature.
Grammar
How to Use “greensickness” in a Sentence
to suffer from greensicknessto be afflicted with greensicknessa diagnosis of greensicknessVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “greensickness” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The doctor said she was greensickening, a sure sign of the malady.
American English
- The physician noted the patient appeared to be greensickening.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary studies discussing obsolete medical practices.
Everyday
Virtually never used in modern conversation.
Technical
Obsolete in modern medicine. Replaced by specific hematological diagnoses like 'iron-deficiency anemia'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “greensickness”
- Using it as a modern medical term.
- Confusing it with general nausea ('feeling green').
- Spelling as two separate words ('green sickness').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Greensickness' is an archaic term for what is now diagnosed as iron-deficiency anemia, particularly in young women. The term is not used in modern clinical practice.
The 'green' referred to the characteristic pale, slightly greenish tint of the skin observed in patients with severe anemia, due to the lack of red hemoglobin showing through the skin.
It would sound very odd and old-fashioned. You would use terms like 'anemia', 'low iron', or simply describe someone as 'looking very pale' or 'lacking colour'.
Yes, the adjective 'greensick' exists (also archaic), as in 'a greensick complexion'.
Chlorosis.
Greensickness is usually historical / literary / medical (historical) in register.
Greensickness: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːnˌsɪknəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡrinˌsɪknəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'green' as the unhealthy colour of someone's complexion when they are sickly anemic, plus 'sickness'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ILLNESS IS A LACK OF COLOUR / VITALITY (the healthy, rosy colour of blood is replaced by a sickly green pallor).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'greensickness' be MOST appropriately used today?