bilirubin

noun

bil·​i·​ru·​bin ˌbi-li-ˈrü-bən 

ˈbi-li-ˌrü-

: a reddish-yellow water-insoluble pigment C₃₃H₃₆N₄O₆ that is formed by the breakdown of heme, is excreted in a water-soluble form by liver cells into bile, and occurs in blood and urine especially in diseased states see jaundice

Examples of bilirubin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When diagnosed, people with elevated bilirubin levels have average survival rates of 1-4 years. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 Dec. 2024

Jaundice is caused by a backup of bile in the liver and a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. —Jay N. Yepuri, Health, 27 Oct. 2024

Symptoms include severe and constant upper abdominal pain that travels to the back, nausea, vomiting, and, in more advanced cases, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by a buildup of the substance bilirubin in the blood). —Qin Rao, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Several underlying health conditions that affect your liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder can reduce the amount of bilirubin (a substance that produces a yellow-green pigment) and lead to pale poop. —Joy Emeh, Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin bilis + ruber red — more at red

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

bilirubin

noun

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

: a reddish-yellow, crystalline, water-insoluble pigment C₃₃H₃₆N₄O₆ that is formed by the breakdown of heme, is excreted in a water-soluble conjugated form by liver cells into bile, and occurs in blood and urine especially in diseased states (such as cirrhosis, gallstones, and hemolytic anemia)

… they may become jaundiced, their skin tinged yellow by the release of the pigment bilirubin from their damaged liver.

—Larry Thompson, Discover