bilirubin
noun
bil·i·ru·bin ˌbi-li-ˈrü-bən 
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Garrett was placed under blue lights to treat his jaundice and bring down his bilirubin levels. 
jsonline.com, 29 Apr. 2022 The blue light helps to make the bilirubin easier for the liver to break down. Rebecca Cairns, CNN, 21 Feb. 2022 That count had dropped to 20,000, and his bilirubin had nearly doubled. New York Times, 14 Oct. 2021 Each appointment is 30 minutes and allows the pediatrician to check the newborn's weight, perform a physical exam, provide counseling, and check the infant's bilirubin levels if necessary. Meredith Spelbring, Detroit Free Press, 30 Mar. 2020 When cholestasis happens, waste product known as bilirubin gets into the bloodstream. Ratika Gupta, SELF, 13 Sep. 2018 The blue light, explained Benes, decreases the level of bilirubin and helps yellowish bruises disappear faster. Cindy Krischer Goodman, sun-sentinel.com, 2 July 2019 This action can cause itchiness, possibly due to the bilirubin building up in the skin. Ratika Gupta, SELF, 13 Sep. 2018 Those issues included abnormal levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin (a compound usually excreted by the liver). Korin Miller, SELF, 24 Sep. 2018 See More
jsonline.com, 29 Apr. 2022 The blue light helps to make the bilirubin easier for the liver to break down. Rebecca Cairns, CNN, 21 Feb. 2022 That count had dropped to 20,000, and his bilirubin had nearly doubled. New York Times, 14 Oct. 2021 Each appointment is 30 minutes and allows the pediatrician to check the newborn's weight, perform a physical exam, provide counseling, and check the infant's bilirubin levels if necessary. Meredith Spelbring, Detroit Free Press, 30 Mar. 2020 When cholestasis happens, waste product known as bilirubin gets into the bloodstream. Ratika Gupta, SELF, 13 Sep. 2018 The blue light, explained Benes, decreases the level of bilirubin and helps yellowish bruises disappear faster. Cindy Krischer Goodman, sun-sentinel.com, 2 July 2019 This action can cause itchiness, possibly due to the bilirubin building up in the skin. Ratika Gupta, SELF, 13 Sep. 2018 Those issues included abnormal levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin (a compound usually excreted by the liver). Korin Miller, SELF, 24 Sep. 2018 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin bilis + ruber red — more at red
First Known Use
1871, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
bilirubin
noun
bil·i·ru·bin ˌbil-i-ˈrü-bən, ˈbil-i-ˌ
: 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
Larry Thompson, Discover