hematopoiesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Highly SpecializedTechnical / Scientific / Medical
Quick answer
What does “hematopoiesis” mean?
The physiological process of forming new blood cells in the bone marrow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The physiological process of forming new blood cells in the bone marrow.
The complex, regulated production of all cellular components of blood (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets) from hematopoietic stem cells, primarily occurring in the bone marrow but also in other sites like the spleen or liver during fetal development or pathological states.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary difference is spelling. British English predominantly uses 'haemopoiesis' (with the 'ae' diphthong reflecting its Greek root). American English exclusively uses the simplified spelling 'hematopoiesis'. Pronunciation differs accordingly.
Connotations
No difference in meaning or connotation; purely orthographic.
Frequency
In UK medical journals, 'haemopoiesis' is more common, but 'hematopoiesis' is widely understood due to the influence of American medical literature. In the US, 'hematopoiesis' is universal.
Grammar
How to Use “hematopoiesis” in a Sentence
Hematopoiesis is regulated by...Hematopoiesis occurs in...A defect in hematopoiesis leads to...The study of hematopoiesis...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hematopoiesis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The stem cells haemopoiese in the marrow.
- These factors cause the tissue to haemopoiese.
American English
- The stem cells hematopoiese in the marrow.
adverb
British English
- The cells developed haematopoietically.
American English
- The cells developed hematopoietically.
adjective
British English
- haemopoietic tissue
- haemopoietic growth factors
American English
- hematopoietic stem cells
- hematopoietic microenvironment
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in medical, biological, and physiology texts and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used; a layperson would say 'blood cell production'.
Technical
The standard, precise term in clinical medicine, hematology, and related research fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hematopoiesis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hematopoiesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hematopoiesis”
- Misspelling: 'hematopoisis' (missing 'e'), 'hematopoesis'.
- Mispronunciation: Stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., he-MAT-o-poi-esis instead of he-ma-to-poi-E-sis).
- Confusing it with 'hemostasis' (which is about stopping bleeding).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In healthy adults, it occurs primarily in the bone marrow of flat bones (like the pelvis, sternum, and skull). In fetuses, it also occurs in the liver and spleen.
Hematopoiesis is the general process of forming all types of blood cells. Erythropoiesis is a specific sub-process within hematopoiesis that refers only to the production of red blood cells (erythrocytes).
The suffix '-poiesis' comes from the ancient Greek word 'poiesis' (ποίησις), meaning 'making' or 'creation'. It's used in many scientific terms like 'leukopoiesis' (making white cells) and 'thrombopoiesis' (making platelets).
Almost never. It is a highly specialized term. In everyday conversation or general writing, phrases like 'blood cell production' or 'how the body makes blood' are used instead.
The physiological process of forming new blood cells in the bone marrow.
Hematopoiesis is usually technical / scientific / medical in register.
Hematopoiesis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhiː.mə.tə(ʊ).pɔɪˈiː.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪˌmæ.t̬oʊ.pɔɪˈiː.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: HEMATO (blood) + POIESIS (making) = the making of blood. Relate it to 'poetry' – the 'poiesis' in both means 'creation'.
Conceptual Metaphor
The bone marrow as a 'factory' or 'garden' where blood cells are 'manufactured' or 'grown' from stem cell 'seeds'.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is a direct synonym for 'hematopoiesis'?