haemoglobin

Everyday

(science) The red substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs around the body and gives blood its red colour. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons haemoglobin explains why blood is red and how oxygen gets to the muscles; it contains iron, so iron-rich foods (beans, spinach, red meat) help keep it healthy. Doctors measure haemoglobin in blood tests; too little can cause anaemia, making people tired and pale. Phrases: haemoglobin levels, low haemoglobin.

Examples

• Haemoglobin carries oxygen around the body. tree →
• Blood is red because of haemoglobin. tree →
• Haemoglobin needs iron, so eat your beans and greens. tree →
• The doctor checked her haemoglobin with a blood test. tree →
• Low haemoglobin can make you feel tired. tree →
• Haemoglobin picks up oxygen in the lungs and drops it off in the muscles. tree →

Note

Uncountable. British spelling haemoglobin (ae), American hemoglobin (e). Pronounced HEE-muh-gloh-bin. «Haemo-» / «hemo-» means blood. Myth: blood inside veins is not blue; it is always red, only darker when it has less oxygen.