leukemia - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
leukemia Word Meanings
- A cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
- A disease in which abnormal white blood cells multiply and crowd out normal blood cells.
- A serious illness that can be life-threatening; sometimes used metaphorically to describe a damaging, spreading problem.
leukemia Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
leukemia Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ljuːˈkiː.mɪ.ə/
US
/luˈkiː.mi.ə/
leukemia Word Etymology
a) Root decomposition: prefix leuko- (white) + suffix -emia (blood condition) with root haima (blood). b) Historical origin: from Greek leukos and haima, via Latin/Old French leucémie, into English leukemia. c) Memory image: imagine a marching army of white blood cells flooding the bloodstream, crowding out other cells.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It happens when abnormal white blood cells multiply and crowd out normal blood cells, which can cause fatigue, infections, easy bruising, and anemia. There are several main types, including acute and chronic forms, and subtypes such as ALL, AML, CML, and CLL. Treatment often involves chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, and sometimes stem cell transplant, depending on the type and stage. The disease can be life-threatening, but many patients respond to treatment and some achieve long-term remission. In everyday English, leukemia is a precise medical term, but people sometimes use it metaphorically to describe a spreading, destructive problem in nonmedical contexts.
Usage Reminders
- Leukemia is a medical term, not an emotion or behavior.
- Pronounce roughly as loo-KEE-mee-uh.
- Commonly say 'has leukemia' or 'diagnosed with leukemia'.
- British spelling is leukaemia, American is leukemia.
- Avoid using leukemia metaphor in formal medical writing unless clearly explained.
Common Misconceptions
- It is contagious or caused by infection.
- Only older people get it.
- There is only one disease called leukemia.
- It always leads to death.
- Poor hygiene causes leukemia.
Thinking Differences
English tends to treat leukemia as a precise medical term, with wide recognition in both clinical and general discourse; learners should be careful not to overextend it metaphorically in formal writing, and to note British spelling as leukaemia.
Learning Tips
- Learn both spellings: leukemia (US) and leukaemia (UK).
- Pair with common verbs: has leukemia, was diagnosed with leukemia.
- Study the main subtypes (ALL, AML, CML, CLL) and how they differ.
- Practice pronunciation: loo-KEE-mee-uh.
- Keep medical context separate from metaphorical use.
- Use authentic medical sources to confirm details.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'leukemia'?
A.A type of fruit
B.A method of cooking
C.A type of cancer
D.A type of dance
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following is a correct example of using 'leukemia' in a sentence?
A.She planted leukemia in her garden.
B.The school organized a leukemia festival.
C.They attended a leukemia concert last night.
D.He was diagnosed with leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'leukemia'?
A.Fever
B.Happiness
C.Tumor
D.Strength
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an opposite of 'leukemia'?
A.Diabetes
B.Health
C.Arthritis
D.Cancer
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you commonly hear the word 'leukemia'?
A.Fashion show
B.Cooking class
C.Car racing event
D.Medical diagnosis
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