A yellow pigment produced from the breakdown of red blood cells, processed by the liver and excreted in bile. Elevated levels cause jaundice and indicate liver disease or excessive red cell destruction.
From Latin 'bilis' (bile) + 'ruber' (red), literally meaning 'red bile,' named in 1864 for its reddish color before oxidation to yellow. The name reflects its origin from red blood cell breakdown and presence in bile.
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