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Glite Dictionary
microcytic

microcytic

1 8.6
Red blood cells that are smaller than normal
  • adjective
  • /ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈsɪt.ɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : microcítico
  • Context: Hypochromic microcytic anemia is a component of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and Thalassemia that is widely prevalent in Iran.
  • microcytic anemia
  • microcytic hypochromic

Examples

  • Patients with microcytic anemia often require iron supplements to address their condition.

  • If the RBCs produced have too little hemoglobin, they are abnormally small—thus, the name microcytic hypochromic anemia.

    Academic text (2003)

  • Perhaps microcytic anemia may develop if the treatment continues for a longer duration.

    Academic text (2007)

  • AIMS: The present study was undertaken to find the prevalence of hypochromic microcytic anemia in Tabriz, Iran.

    Academic text (2007)

  • The lab report indicated that the patient had microcytic red blood cells, leading to further tests.

  • A diet low in iron can result in microcytic red blood cells, affecting overall health.

Compounds

microcytic anemia
  • Specialized
5.8

A condition where red blood cells are smaller than normal

How Small

microcytic
  • Specialized
1 8.6
normocytic
  • Specialized
6.9
macrocytic
  • Specialized
8.5

Surface Forms

microcytic positive

Morphology

microcytic = microcyte (semi-transparent) = micro + cyt + ic

The adjective is formed regularly from the noun 'microcyte' with '-ic', so the meaning 'pertaining to small cells' is straightforward.

Etymology

The word microcytic breaks into micro- 'small' and -cytic from a Greek word for 'cell', so it literally means 'having small cells'. That's why doctors use microcytic to describe red blood cells that are smaller than normal.