bilirubin

bil·i·ru·bin  (bl-rbn, bl-r-)

n.

A reddish-yellow bile pigment, C₃₃H₃₆N₄O₆, derived from the degradation of heme.

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[Latin blis, bile + ruber, red; see reudh- in Indo-European roots + -in.]

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bilirubin [ˌbɪlɪˈruːbɪn ˌbaɪ-]

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Physiology) an orange-yellow pigment in the bile formed as a breakdown product of haemoglobin. Excess amounts in the blood produce the yellow appearance associated with jaundice. Formula: C₃₂H₃₆O₆N₄

[from bile¹ + Latin ruber red + -in]

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bilirubin  (bl-rbn)

A reddish-yellow pigment that is a constituent of bile and gives it its color. Bilirubin is a porphyrin derived from the degradation of heme. It is often a constituent of gallstones, and also causes the skin discoloration seen in jaundice. Chemical formula: C₃₃H₃₆N₄O₆.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

bilirubin - an orange-yellow pigment in the bile that forms as a product of hemoglobin; excess amounts in the blood produce the yellow appearance observed in jaundice haematoidin, hematoidin animal pigment - pigment occurring in animals