bilirubin

noun

bil·​i·​ru·​bin ˌbi-li-ˈrü-bən How to pronounce bilirubin (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 As bilirubin levels go up, the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. Julie Scott, Msn, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bilirubin 

Word History

Etymology

Latin bilis + ruber red — more at red

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bilirubin was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near bilirubin

Cite this Entry

“Bilirubin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bilirubin. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

bilirubin

noun
bil·​i·​ru·​bin ˌbil-i-ˈrü-bən, ˈbil-i-ˌ How to pronounce bilirubin (audio)
: 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

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