Definition of "thrombocytopenia" [thrombocytopenia]

• An abnormal decrease in the number of platelets in circulatory blood. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Also, abnormalities in blood coagulation and thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in blood platelets, have been observed."
• "A low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia, and may create problems with bruising, bleeding, etc. although there are other factors involved."
• "The latest analysis of data has detected what could be a somewhat elevated rate of Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can cause paralysis and death; Bell's palsy, a temporary facial paralysis, and thrombocytopenia, which is a low level of blood platelets, officials reported Friday."