pernicious anemia
noun Pathology.
a severe anemia caused by the diminution or absence of stomach acid secretion, with consequent failure of the gastric mucosa to secrete the intrinsic factor necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12, characterized by a great reduction in the number of red blood cells and an increase in their size.
Origin of pernicious anemia
First recorded in 1870–75
Words nearby pernicious anemia
permute,
pernambuco,
pernancy,
pernicious,
pernicious anaemia,
pernicious anemia,
pernicious vomiting,
pernickety,
pernik,
pernio,
pernod
Medical definitions for pernicious anemia
pernicious anemia
n.
A severe form of anemia most often affecting older adults, caused by failure of the stomach to absorb vitamin B12 and characterized by abnormally large red blood cells, gastrointestinal disturbances, and lesions of the spinal cord.
Addison's anemia malignant anemia