heme

noun

ˈhēm

: the deep red iron-containing prosthetic group C₃₄H₃₂N₄O₄Fe of hemoglobin and myoglobin

Examples of heme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Pair your non-heme-iron foods with heme-iron-rich foods, such as poultry and fish. — Joy Emeh, Health, 12 Mar. 2026 Preventing Anemia Red meat contains heme iron, which is the type that your body most readily absorbs. — Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Jan. 2026 How Beef Ranks Better for Iron Beef has an edge due to its heme iron content, the form of iron found in animal tissue. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026 There are a number of reasons why red meat might be a problem, including the high heme iron content, plus the need to cook meat at high temperatures, which can produce carcinogenic compounds. — Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heme

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from hematin

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of heme was in 1925

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Style

“Heme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heme. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

heme

noun

ˈhēm

: a deep red pigment that contains iron and is obtained from hemoglobin

Medical Definition

heme

noun

variants or chiefly British haem

ˈhēm

: the deep red iron-containing prosthetic group C₃₄H₃₂N₄O₄Fe of hemoglobin and myoglobin that is a ferrous derivative of protoporphyrin and readily oxidizes to hematin or hemin

called also protoheme

heme

noun

Examples of heme in a Sentence

Word History

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Medical Definition

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