Jaundice: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'jaundice' comes from the Old French word 'jaunisse', meaning 'yellowing'.
• This word is derived from 'jaune', the French word for 'yellow', highlighting its visible symptom.
• The condition has been recognized since ancient times, with references found in texts by Hippocrates, a famous Greek physician.

Medicine

• Jaundice is often a symptom of an underlying issue, such as liver disease, hepatitis, or bile duct obstruction.
• It can occur at any age, but newborns commonly experience a mild form due to immature liver function, known as neonatal jaundice.
• In adults, chronic jaundice can signal serious health conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Psychology

• The word 'jaundiced' has also come to mean having a cynical or negative perspective, drawing an analogy from the physical symptoms.
• Psychologists note that prolonged illness can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety, intertwining health and mental wellbeing.
• People with chronic diseases may develop a 'jaundiced outlook', affecting their social interactions and self-esteem.

Art & Literature

• Many artists and writers use the term 'jaundiced' metaphorically to describe a character with a cynical view of the world.
• In literature, yellow often symbolizes caution or illness, which correlates with the visible effects of jaundice.
• Famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh used the color yellow extensively, sometimes reflecting themes of suffering and struggle.

Pop Culture

• Jaundice has been referenced in various TV shows and movies, often symbolizing both physical and moral ailments.
• In cartoons, characters with jaundice are portrayed exaggeratedly to emphasize their unusual appearance to elicit humor or highlight their plight.
• The condition is often a plot device in mystery or medical dramas, serving as a clue to a character’s health issues.

At position #14,116, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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• 14113 compost
• 14114 circling
• 14115 sweetly
• 14116 jaundice
• 14117 impervious
• 14118 conceivably
• 14119 respectability
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