megaloblastic anaemia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical/medical
Quick answer
What does “megaloblastic anaemia” mean?
A type of anaemia characterised by the presence of abnormally large, nucleated red blood cell precursors (megaloblasts) in the bone marrow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of anaemia characterised by the presence of abnormally large, nucleated red blood cell precursors (megaloblasts) in the bone marrow.
A blood disorder resulting from impaired DNA synthesis, most commonly caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate, leading to ineffective red blood cell production and macrocytic (large-cell) anaemia.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'anaemia' vs US 'anemia'. The compound term is used identically in medical contexts in both regions.
Connotations
Identical clinical connotation. Strongly associated with haematology and internal medicine.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used with identical frequency in UK and US medical professions.
Grammar
How to Use “megaloblastic anaemia” in a Sentence
Patient presents with megaloblastic anaemia.Megaloblastic anaemia is caused by...The diagnosis was megaloblastic anaemia.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “megaloblastic anaemia” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The patient's blood film suggested the bone marrow was megaloblastising.
- The condition megaloblastises the erythroid lineage.
American English
- The bone marrow began to megaloblastize due to the deficiency.
- Chronic deficiency can megaloblastize hematopoiesis.
adverb
British English
- The erythroid series was developing megaloblastically.
- Cells appeared megaloblastically transformed.
American English
- The precursor cells were transformed megaloblastically.
- The marrow was reacting megaloblastically to the insult.
adjective
British English
- The blood film showed megaloblastic changes.
- She had a megaloblastic marrow appearance.
American English
- The peripheral smear revealed megaloblastic features.
- He presented with megaloblastic morphology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and biochemical research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of a medical diagnosis discussion.
Technical
Core term in haematology, clinical pathology, gastroenterology, and nutrition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “megaloblastic anaemia”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “megaloblastic anaemia”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “megaloblastic anaemia”
- Misspelling as 'megalablastic' or 'megablastic'.
- Using 'anaemia' and 'megaloblastic' in the wrong order ('anaemia megaloblastic').
- Pronouncing it as /ˈmɛɡələˌblæstɪk/ (stress on first syllable). Correct stress is on 'blas'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Pernicious anaemia is one specific cause of megaloblastic anaemia (autoimmune destruction of stomach cells preventing B12 absorption). Megaloblastic anaemia can also be caused by dietary B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, or certain drugs.
Yes, in most cases. Treatment involves correcting the underlying deficiency (B12 injections or oral folate) and addressing the cause. Neurological damage from prolonged B12 deficiency may be irreversible.
Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pallor, shortness of breath, and glossitis (sore tongue). Neurological symptoms like numbness, tingling, and balance problems are specific to B12 deficiency.
Diagnosis involves blood tests showing macrocytic anaemia (high MCV), low B12/folate levels, and a blood film showing hypersegmented neutrophils. A bone marrow biopsy showing megaloblasts is definitive but rarely needed.
A type of anaemia characterised by the presence of abnormally large, nucleated red blood cell precursors (megaloblasts) in the bone marrow.
Megaloblastic anaemia is usually technical/medical in register.
Megaloblastic anaemia: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛɡələʊˈblæstɪk əˈniːmiə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛɡəloʊˈblæstɪk əˈniːmiə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MEGA-lo-BLAST-ic' - MEGA (large) BLAST (immature cell) - so 'large immature cell anaemia'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A factory defect metaphor: The bone marrow 'factory' produces red blood cells that are too large and immature ('megaloblasts') to function, like oversized, unfinished cars rolling off an assembly line.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary morphological feature of megaloblastic anaemia?