bile

Definition

A bitter brownish-yellow or greenish-yellow secretion produced by the liver, stored in the gall bladder, and discharged into the duodenum where it aids the process of digestion.

Etymology

Mid 16th century, via Middle French, from Latin bīlis (“bile”). Largely displaced Old English ġealla, whence the modern synonym gall.

Example Sentences

• "I shall tire of my Journal if it is to contain nothing but biles and plasters and unguents."
• "He spake out of the Pythonesse, Act. 16. 17. brought downe fire from heauen, and consumed Iobs sheepe 7000. and his seruants, raised a storme, strooke the house wherein his sonnes and daughters feasted with their elder brother, smote the foure corners of it, with the ruine whereof they all were destroyed, and perished: and ouerspread the body of that holy Saint their father with botches[t] and biles from the sole of his foot to the crowne of his head."