Pronunciation: [ɐnˈiːmɪk] (IPA) 
The word "anaemic" is spelt with two "a"s, one "e", one "m" and one "i". The IPA phonetic transcription for "anaemic" is /əˈniːmɪk/. The first syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound /ə/ followed by the long vowel sound /iː/ and the stressed syllable is the second one. The "m" sound is followed by the short vowel sound /ɪ/ and the final syllable has a weak /k/ sound at the end. In American English, it is spelled anemic.
The term "anaemic" is an adjective that is commonly used to describe a medical condition or state in which an individual has a deficiency of red blood cells, hemoglobin, or both. The condition often leads to an insufficient oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood. Anemia is a broad term that encompasses various types, including iron-deficiency anaemia, vitamin-deficiency anaemia, and sickle cell anaemia, amongst others.
In a broader sense, "anaemic" can also be used metaphorically to describe situations, organizations, or ideas that lack vitality, strength, or vigor. It implies a lack of energy or forcefulness, with a resulting weakness or lack of effectiveness. This figurative usage suggests a lack of substance, color, or liveliness, leaving something or someone appearing pale, feeble, or insipid.
Medically, anaemia is commonly associated with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, paleness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and sometimes an increased heart rate. It is usually diagnosed through blood tests, primarily measuring hemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, and other related indicators. Treatment options may vary depending on the underlying cause, and can include dietary changes, iron or vitamin supplements, blood transfusions, or medications to stimulate red blood cell production.
In summary, "anaemic" pertains to a medical condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to weak blood quality and decreased oxygen distribution. This term can also be extended to describe a lack of vitality, strength, or effectiveness in non-medical contexts.
Anemic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "anaemic" originates from the Greek term "anaimia", which is a combination of the prefix "an-" meaning "without" and "haima" meaning "blood". In ancient Greece, "anaimia" was used to describe a condition of lacking sufficient blood or of weak or poor quality blood. Over time, this term evolved into "anaemia" in late Latin and eventually became the adjective "anaemic" in English, referring to a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, resulting in a lack of energy or pale appearance.
