Beta thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin in the body, leading to anemia. Some common synonyms for beta thalassemia include Cooley's anemia, Mediterranean anemia, and thalassemia major. Cooley's anemia was originally used to describe severe forms of beta thalassemia but now refers to all forms. Mediterranean anemia was used because the disease was prevalent in people of Mediterranean descent. Thalassemia major refers to severe forms of the disease which require regular blood transfusions. Other less commonly used terms for beta thalassemia include erythroblastic anemia and hemoglobinopathy. It is important to note that while these terms may be used interchangeably, they all describe the same genetic disease.