Bilin

/ˈbaɪ.lɪn/ noun

Definition

A class of organic pigments derived from the breakdown of heme in hemoglobin, including bilirubin and biliverdin.

Etymology

From Latin 'bilis' (bile) + '-in' (a common suffix for chemical compounds). The term was created by chemists to categorize these bile pigment molecules.

Kelly Says

Bilins are nature's color palette—they're the pigments that give bile its yellow-green color and can even make some birds' feathers glow with brilliant hues!

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