malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues; characterized by abnormal proliferation of leukocytes; one of the four major types of cancer
"Leukemia is a malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues characterized by the abnormal proliferation of leukocytes, representing one of the four major types of cancer."
A type of malignancy affecting the blood cells or blood-forming tissues.
"Leukemia is a serious condition where cancer develops in the body's blood-forming tissues, such as bone marrow and lymph nodes."
In plain English: Leukemia is a type of cancer that starts when blood cells grow too fast and don't work right.
"The doctor explained that leukemia is a type of cancer affecting blood cells."
Usage: Leukemia refers specifically to cancers that originate in white blood cells, distinguishing it from other blood disorders like anemia which involve red blood cell deficiencies. It is a serious condition requiring medical treatment rather than being confused with general fatigue or minor infections.
The word comes from the German Leukämie, which is derived from Ancient Greek words for "white" and "blood." It literally means "white blood."