haemoglobin UK /ˌhiːmə(ʊ)ˈɡləʊbɪn/US /ˌhimoʊˈɡloʊbɪn/ noun1 •The iron-containing substance in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body; it consists of a protein (globulin), and haem (a porphyrin ring with an atom of iron at its centre). formshaemoglobins