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Jaundiced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jaundiced

[หˆdส’ษ”n.dษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

Jaundiced refers to having a yellowish discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes, which is caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood. This condition often indicates underlying health issues, particularly with the liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Synonyms

liver-colored, sallow, yellowed.

Examples of usage

  • The patient was jaundiced and required immediate medical attention.
  • She noticed that his skin looked jaundiced after a few days of illness.
  • Jaundiced eyes can be a sign of serious liver problems.
Context #2 | Adjective

figurative meaning

In a figurative sense, jaundiced can describe a person whose views are prejudiced, affected by envy, or distorted by experience. This use suggests a negative or cynical outlook on a particular situation.

Synonyms

biased, cynical, skeptical.

Examples of usage

  • His jaundiced view of the system led to his resignation.
  • After his experiences, she developed a jaundiced perspective on relationships.
  • The article presented a jaundiced opinion of the new policy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Significance

  • Jaundice is not a disease itself but a symptom of several diseases, especially those that affect the liver, gallbladder, or red blood cells.
  • Newborns can often develop a mild form of jaundice shortly after birth, sometimes requiring medical treatment but typically resolving on its own.

Cultural References

  • In literature, a jaundiced perspective often symbolizes cynicism or bitterness, suggesting a worldview colored by negativity and skepticism.
  • The phrase 'jaundiced view' is often used to indicate a person's biased outlook, typically influenced by their experiences.

History

  • During the Middle Ages, medical practitioners believed that imbalances in bodily humors caused various ailments, including the yellow color of jaundice.
  • By the 19th century, advancements in medicine began to understand and treat the underlying causes of jaundice more effectively.

Psychological Aspects

  • Experiencing a 'jaundiced' viewpoint can reflect deeper psychological issues, including unresolved trauma or persistent negativity.
  • Therapists encourage addressing these biases to foster a healthier outlook on life.

Origin of 'jaundiced'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'jaunir' which means 'to make yellow' and is rooted in the Latin term 'galbล“dล' meaning 'to become yellow.'
  • Historically, the term relates to the yellow color associated with a medical condition known as jaundice, which is often a sign of liver issues.

The term 'jaundiced' originates from the Old French word 'jaunice', which means 'yellow'. This French word itself is derived from 'jaune', meaning 'yellow', which comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *gสฒelhโ‚- (to be green or to grow). The word 'jaundiced' entered the English language in the early 18th century, originally relating specifically to the yellowish skin color due to liver dysfunction. Over time, it evolved to also capture a metaphorical sense, describing a person's outlook or emotions that are tainted by negativity or jealousy. Thus, by the late 20th century, the word was commonly utilized in both medical and figurative contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,897, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.