n. A bile pigment that is product of the breakdown of the heme portion of hemoglobin. This happens within macrophages as they digest red blood cells. Extremely high levels of bilirubin cause jaundice.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. A reddish yellow pigment present in human bile, and in that from carnivorous and herbivorous animals; the normal biliary pigment.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. A red bile-pigment, the chief coloring matter of human bile and that of carnivorous animals, to which the formula C16H18N2O3 has been given.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. 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
Word Usage
""His bilirubin is not that elevated, and in another hour or so, we'll be coming back to the room, they said.""