Definition

A medical condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.

Example

The doctor diagnosed the patient with icterus after noticing the yellow tint in his skin and eyes.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of icterus?

Yeah, isn't that another term for jaundice?

Exactly! I read that it can indicate liver issues.

That's interesting; it's good to know the symptoms.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Icterus comes from the Greek word "ikteros" (meaning jaundice), which is derived from "ikteron" (meaning yellow). The term originally referred to the yellowing of the skin and eyes associated with liver disease.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for jaundice, 'ikteros', which helps you remember that 'icterus' refers to the yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Visually Confused Words