bilirubin

noun bil·i·ru·bin \ˌbi-li-ˈrü-bən, ˈbi-li-ˌ\

Definition of BILIRUBIN

: a reddish-yellow water insoluble pigment occurring especially in bile and blood and causing jaundice if accumulated in excess

Latin bilis + ruber red — more at red

First Known Use: 1871

Medical Dictionary

noun bil·i·ru·bin \ˌbil-i-ˈrü-bən, ˈbil-i-ˌ\

: a reddish yellow pigment C₃₃H₃₆N₄O₆ that occurs especially in bile and blood and causes jaundice if accumulated in excess

Next Word in the Dictionary: biliteralPrevious Word in the Dictionary: biliousAll Words Near: bilirubin

What made you want to look up bilirubin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears