icterus

noun

ic·​ter·​us ˈik-tə-rəs How to pronounce icterus (audio)
medical
: yellowish pigmentation of the skin, tissues, and body fluids caused by the deposition of bile pigments : jaundice
The patient appeared very lethargic and mildly dehydrated with severe icterus.Antonio Giuliano et al.
The hemoglobin pigments released from the destroyed cells are picked up by the tissues, causing yellow jaundice (or icterus).Robert M. Miller

Examples of icterus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The examination was notable for scleral icterus and subconjunctival hemorrhage in both eyes. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 6 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'icterus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek ikteros

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of icterus was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near icterus

Cite this Entry

“Icterus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/icterus. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

icterus

noun
ic·​ter·​us ˈik-tə-rəs How to pronounce icterus (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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