Bilirubin

n.

1.

(Physiol.) A reddish yellow pigment present in human bile, and in that from carnivorous and herbivorous animals; the normal biliary pigment.

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 Synonyms: haematoidin, hematoidin

Pronunciation: (BILL-ee-ROO-bin)

The substance formed when hemoglobin breaks down. Bilirubin gives bile its color. Bilirubin is normally passed in stool. Too much bilirubin causes jaundice.

animal pigment, haematoidin, hematoidin