(n) malignant neoplasm of blood-forming tissues; characterized by abnormal proliferation of leukocytes; one of the four major types of cancer, Syn. leucaemia, cancer of the blood, leukaemia
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. A disease in which the white corpuscles of the blood are largely increased in number, and there is enlargement of the spleen, or the lymphatic glands; formerly called leucocythaemia. It is due to a cancer of the bone marrow, and results in anemia and increased susceptibility to infectious disease. [ Also spelled leucemia and leuchaemia. ] [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]