HYPOCHROMATISM Meaning and
Definition
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Hypochromatism is a medical term that refers to a condition characterized by a decrease in the color intensity or depth of a particular object, substance, or part of the body. It specifically relates to a reduction in the normal coloration or pigmentation.
In the field of hematology, hypochromatism pertains to the decreased concentration or deficiency of hemoglobin, the iron-containing protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. Hypochromatism of red blood cells is associated with iron-deficiency anemia, a condition where there is a decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells or a lower than normal hemoglobin level, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the body's tissues.
In ophthalmology, hypochromatism refers to a reduced or pale appearance of the iris, typically resulting from a lack or loss of pigmentation. This can be seen in conditions such as albinism, where individuals lack melanin, the pigment responsible for the coloration of the skin, hair, and eyes.
Additionally, hypochromatism can describe a reduced intensity of color in other contexts, such as the fading or lightening of dyes, chemical reactions, or even the loss of vibrant hues in paintings or photographs.
Overall, hypochromatism is a term used in various medical disciplines to describe a decrease or deficiency in color intensity or pigmentation, with specific implications depending on the context in which it is used.
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The condition of being hypochromatic, hypochromia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOCHROMATISM
- hypochromatic
- gypochromatism
- bypochromatism
- nypochromatism
- jypochromatism
- uypochromatism
- yypochromatism
- htpochromatism
- hgpochromatism
- hhpochromatism
- hupochromatism
- h7pochromatism
- h6pochromatism
- hyoochromatism
- hylochromatism
- hy-ochromatism
- hy0ochromatism
- hypichromatism
- hypkchromatism
- hyplchromatism
Etymology of HYPOCHROMATISM
The word "hypochromatism" is derived from two combining forms:
1. "Hypo-" derives from the Greek prefix "hypo-", meaning "under" or "less than". In medical terminology, "hypo-" typically signifies a deficiency or a lower than normal amount.
2. "Chromatism" is derived from the Greek word "chroma", which means "color". It refers to the presence or absence of color in certain biological structures, such as blood cells or tissues.
When combined, "hypochromatism" refers to a condition or state characterized by a decreased coloration or intensity, particularly referring to the diminished color of blood cells in medical contexts.
