bilirubin

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

/ ˈbɪl əˌru bɪn, ˌbɪl əˈru bɪn /

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.

Nearby words

bilingual education, bilingualism, bilious, biliously, bilirachia, bilirubin, bilirubin encephalopathy, bilirubinemia, bilirubinoid, bilirubinuria, biliteral

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for 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
It may assume a greenish hue after standing, owing to oxidation of bilirubin into biliverdin.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Bilirubin is soluble in alkalies, and is precipitated from its solution by acids.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various

British Dictionary definitions for bilirubin

bilirubin

/ (ˌbɪlɪˈruːbɪn, ˌbaɪ-) /

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

bilirubin

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

Medicine definitions for bilirubin

bilirubin

[ bĭl′ĭ-rōō′bĭn, bĭl′ĭ-rōō′- ]

n.

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

Science definitions for bilirubin

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.