Definition

A green pigment found in bile that can be produced when bilirubin is oxidized.

Example

Biliverdin is responsible for the green color in bruises as it forms during the breakdown of hemoglobin.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of biliverdin?

I think I read about it in a science article once.

Yeah, it's that green pigment found in bile, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how it forms from bilirubin.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Biliverdin is formed from "bili-" (from Latin "bilis", meaning bile) and "verd" (from Latin "viridis", meaning green). The word refers to a green pigment found in bile, which is a product of the breakdown of hemoglobin.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bile' ('bili-') which is a digestive fluid, and 'green' ('verd') to remember that biliverdin is a green pigment found in bile.

Visually Confused Words