pernicious anemia

pernicious anemia Word Origin noun Pathology.

1. a severe anemia caused by the diminution or absence of stomach acid secretion, with consequent failure of the gastric mucosa to secrete the intrinsic factor necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12, characterized by a great reduction in the number of red blood cells and an increase in their size.

Origin of pernicious anemia First recorded in 1870–75 pernicious anemia in Medicine pernicious anemia n.

1. A severe form of anemia most often affecting older adults, caused by failure of the stomach to absorb vitamin B12 and characterized by abnormally large red blood cells, gastrointestinal disturbances, and lesions of the spinal cord.Addison’s anemia malignant anemia