icterus
noun
ic·ter·us
ˈik-tə-rəs 
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.
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
Robert M. MillerExamples of icterus in a Sentence
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The examination was notable for scleral icterus and subconjunctival hemorrhage in both eyes.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 6 Jan. 2023
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Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 6 Jan. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Icterus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/icterus. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
icterus
noun
ic·ter·us
ˈik-tə-rəs
: jaundice
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