jaundice

noun

jaun·​dice ˈjȯn-dəs 

ˈjän-

1

: yellowish pigmentation of the skin, tissues, and body fluids caused by the deposition of bile pigments

2

: a disease or abnormal condition characterized by jaundice

3

: a state or attitude characterized by satiety, distaste, or hostility

Synonyms

• animosity
• animus
• antagonism
• antipathy
• bad blood
• bitterness
• enmity
• gall
• grudge
• hostility
• rancor

Examples of jaundice in a Sentence

the jaundice in the eyes of the two feuding neighbors was enough to kill crabgrass

Recent Examples on the Web

The next morning, after a steamy foursome, the couple ends up in sick bay with fever, jaundice, chills, and vomiting. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025

Signs of liver injury can include abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, and jaundice. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025

The longer-term physical consequences of abusing alcohol — liver damage, jaundice, and cancer — have long been impossible to ignore. —Dylan Scott, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025

The liver may also stop working well, resulting in a yellowing of the skin called jaundice. —Gagandeep Brar, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English jawnes, jaundis, from Anglo-French jaunice, galniz, from jaune, gaune yellow, from Latin galbinus greenish yellow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

jaundice

noun

jaun·​dice ˈjȯn-dəs 

ˈjän-

1

: yellowish discoloring of the skin, tissues, and body fluids caused by the presence of coloring matter from the bile

also : a disease or abnormal condition marked by jaundice

2

: a state or attitude marked by envy, dislike, or hostility

Medical Definition

jaundice

noun

jaun·​dice ˈjȯn-dəs, ˈjän- 

1

: a yellowish pigmentation of the skin, tissues, and certain body fluids caused by the deposition of bile pigments and especially bilirubin that follows interference with normal production and discharge of bile (as in certain liver diseases) or excessive breakdown of red blood cells (as after internal hemorrhage or in various hemolytic states)

called also icterus

2

: any disease or abnormal condition (as hepatitis A or leptospirosis) that is characterized by jaundice

called also icterus