bilirubin

[ bil-uh-roo-bin, bil-uh-roo-bin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a reddish bile pigment, C 33 H 36 O 6 N 4 , resulting from the degradation of heme by reticuloendothelial cells in the liver: a high level in the blood produces the yellow skin symptomatic of jaundice.

bilirubin

/ ˌbɪlɪˈruːbɪn; ˌbaɪ- /

noun

1. 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: C 32 H 36 O 6 N 4

bilirubin

/ bĭl′ĭ-ro̅o̅′bĭn /

1. 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: C 33 H 36 N 4 O 6 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilirubin¹

< German Bilirubin (1864), equivalent to Latin bīli ( s ) bile + rub ( er ) red + German -in -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilirubin¹

C19: from bile ¹+ Latin ruber red + -in

Example Sentences

That’s because the research team found that bilirubin reductase is present in almost all healthy adults.

From Salon

For example, scientists have found that bilirubin may steer immune cells called macrophages to curtail their secretion of inflammatory molecules.

From Science Magazine

But there are diseases that can increase bilirubin levels — either because something happens to block its excretion or because more red blood cells are being broken down, causing more bilirubin to be made.

From New York Times

Her husband took her to an emergency room, where she was told she had heightened levels of bilirubin that could indicate potential issues with her liver or bile duct, and she was severely dehydrated.

From Seattle Times

Finally Orley went to see her doctor, and lab work revealed blood in her urine along with high levels of bilirubin, a substance that passes through the liver.

From Los Angeles Times