Jaundicing: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old French 'jaunir', meaning 'to yellow'.
• In the 14th century, it was used to describe the color change in people affected by liver diseases.
• Originally, in English, it had variations like 'jaundice', which is still commonly used today.

Medical Insights

• Jaundice itself is a symptom, not a disease, and indicates that something is wrong with the liver or bile ducts.
• It can affect newborns, often referred to as 'neonatal jaundice', due to immature liver function.
• In adults, it may arise from conditions such as hepatitis, gallstones, or liver cirrhosis.

Cultural References

• In literature, jaundice has been used symbolically to represent envy or bitterness, as in the phrase 'the green-eyed monster'.
• Some artists have used yellow tones in paintings to evoke feelings of illness or discomfort, indirectly referencing jaundice.
• In certain cultures, a yellow tinge is culturally associated with caution or warning, reflecting the alert nature of jaundicing.

Psychological Perspectives

• The appearance of jaundice can lead to psychological effects, as individuals may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their appearance.
• People experiencing chronic illness might exhibit signs of depression or anxiety, which can be exacerbated by visible symptoms like jaundice.
• Studies suggest that the perception of color, including yellow, can influence mood, potentially linking the physical symptoms with emotional responses.

Historical Medical Practices

• Historically, treatments for jaundice included various herbal medicines and bloodletting, reflecting the limited medical knowledge of the time.
• Famous historical figures, including King George III of England, reportedly suffered from jaundice, which affected their reign.
• In the past, jaundicing was often misunderstood and could lead to stigma associated with liver diseases.

With rank #43,723, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.

• ...
• 43720 savouriest
• 43721 hunkier
• 43722 clammiest
• 43723 jaundicing
• 43724 piffled
• 43725 reediest
• 43726 hippier
• ...