bilirubin

[bil-uh-roo-bin, bil-uh-roo-bin]

noun Biochemistry.

a reddish bile pigment, C33H36O6N4, resulting from the degradation of heme by reticuloendothelial cells in the liver: a high level in the blood produces the yellow skin symptomatic of jaundice.

Origin of bilirubin

< German Bilirubin (1864), equivalent to Latin bīli(s) bile + rub(er) red + German -in -in²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for bilirubin

Historical Examples of bilirubin

The modern view of hmatogenous jaundice had its origin in the supposed discovery of the identity of hmatoidin with bilirubin.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II
Various
The union of bilirubin and lime salts illustrates the same principle.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II
Various
Bilirubin is soluble in alkalies, and is precipitated from its solution by acids.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II
Various
It may assume a greenish hue after standing, owing to oxidation of bilirubin into biliverdin.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis
James Campbell Todd

British Dictionary definitions for bilirubin

bilirubin

noun

an orange-yellow pigment in the bile formed as a breakdown product of haemoglobin. Excess amounts in the blood produce the yellow appearance associated with jaundice. Formula: C 32 H 36 O 6 N 4

Word Origin for bilirubin

C19: from bile 1 + Latin ruber red + -in

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for bilirubin

"reddish pigment found in bile," 1871, from German bilirubin (1864), from bili- (see bile) + Latin ruber "red" (see red (1)) + -ine (2).

bilirubin in Medicine

bilirubin

[bĭl′ĭ-rōō′bĭn, bĭl′ĭ-rōō′-]

A red bile pigment derived from the degradation of hemoglobin during the normal and abnormal destruction of red blood cells.

bilirubin in Science

bilirubin

[bĭl′ĭ-rōō′bĭn]

A reddish-yellow pigment that is a constituent of bile and gives it its color. Bilirubin is a porphyrin derived from the degradation of heme. It is often a constituent of gallstones, and also causes the skin discoloration seen in jaundice. Chemical formula: C33H36N4O6.