The correct spelling of the word "haemorrhagic" may seem tricky to some, but it actually follows a simple pattern. The initial sound is the "he" sound which is pronounced as /hiː/. The following letters "aem" make the "ee" sound as in "see", creating a /iː/ sound. The next "orr" sounds like "oar" and is pronounced as /ɔː/. Finally, the last part "hagic" rhymes with "magic" and is pronounced as /hædʒɪk/. All together, the word is pronounced as /hiːməˈrædʒɪk/.
The term "haemorrhagic" is an adjective derived from the medical term "haemorrhage," which refers to spontaneous bleeding that occurs internally or externally. "Haemorrhagic" describes any condition, disease, or event characterized by, causing, or resulting in bleeding.
In medical contexts, "haemorrhagic" often refers to hemorrhagic diseases or conditions that lead to excessive or uncontrolled bleeding. These can arise from various causes, including trauma, injury, or disruption of blood vessels or blood clotting mechanisms. Haemorrhagic conditions can affect various body systems, such as the lungs, digestive tract, or brain.
When used in the context of infectious diseases, "haemorrhagic" typically refers to certain viral infections that cause bleeding, such as viral haemorrhagic fevers. These fevers are often associated with severe symptoms, such as high fever, organ failure, and potentially life-threatening bleeding. Examples of well-known haemorrhagic fevers include Ebola virus disease, dengue fever, and Lassa fever.
In summary, "haemorrhagic" relates to bleeding or conditions characterized by excessive bleeding. It is commonly used in the medical field to describe diseases or events involving uncontrolled bleeding, such as haemorrhagic fevers.
Pert. to or consisting in haemorrhage.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "haemorrhagic" derives from the Greek term "haimorrhagikos", which is formed by combining two elements: "haima" meaning "blood", and "rhēgnynai" meaning "burst forth". Hence, "haemorrhagic" literally means "characterized by bursting forth of blood".