Icterus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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icterus
[ˈɪk.tər.əs ]
Definition
medical condition
Icterus, commonly known as jaundice, is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. This yellow discoloration occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin, a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells, in the blood. Icterus can be indicative of various underlying medical conditions, including liver disease and hemolytic anemia.
Synonyms
jaundice, yellow fever.
Examples of usage
- The patient presented with icterus and fatigue.
- Doctors diagnosed him with icterus due to liver dysfunction.
- Icterus can occur in newborns as a result of immature liver function.
Translations
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Origin of 'icterus'
The term 'icterus' is derived from the Greek word 'ikteros,' which refers to a yellow bird. This name was used historically to describe the yellowing symptoms associated with liver diseases, connecting the color of the skin with that of the bird. The condition was noted as early as ancient times, with references found in the writings of Hippocrates and Galen, who observed the correlation between the yellowing of the skin and liver disorders. As medical understanding evolved, the term 'icterus' became a more defined medical term, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, as studies around liver function and associated diseases were conducted. Today, icterus is commonly used in clinical settings to describe jaundice, which remains an important indicator in diagnosing various health conditions.