Haemophilia

/ˌhiːməˈfɪliə/ noun

Definition

A genetic bleeding disorder where the blood cannot clot properly because it lacks certain proteins called clotting factors, causing excessive bleeding from injuries.

Etymology

From Greek 'haima' (blood) + 'philos' (loving/affinity) + '-ia' (condition). Named paradoxically by early doctors who didn't fully understand the mechanism—the disorder seems to 'love' blood loss because sufferers can't stop bleeding.

Kelly Says

Hemophilia is famously called 'the royal disease' because it affected the royal families of Europe, particularly through Queen Victoria—she carried the gene and passed it to her children, making hemophilia one of history's most famous genetic diseases.

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