Bile is a term that is commonly used in biology and medicine. It is an important substance that is produced by the liver and plays a crucial role in the digestion of fats. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bile, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and some example sentences.
Definitions
Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid that is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It contains bile salts, cholesterol, and other substances that aid in the digestion of fats. Bile also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and the elimination of waste products from the body.
Origin
The word bile comes from the Old English word “bȳl” which means “gall, bile”. The Latin word for bile is “bilis”. Bile has been known since ancient times, and it was believed to be a substance that caused anger and bitterness.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bile is “a bitter-tasting, yellow-green secretion produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, which aids digestion by emulsifying fats and neutralizing acids in partly digested food.”
Merriam-Webster defines bile as “a bitter yellow or greenish fluid that is secreted by the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and discharged into the duodenum and aids especially in the emulsification and absorption of fats.”
Associations
Bile is often associated with the liver and the digestive system. It is also associated with the color yellow-green, bitterness, and anger.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bile include gall, choler, bitterness, acrimony, and spite.
Antonyms
Antonyms of bile include sweetness, kindness, and benevolence.
The same root words
Words that have the same root as bile include bilious, bilirubin, and biliverdin.
Example Sentences
- The doctor ordered a test to check the levels of bile in the patient’s blood.
- The bile duct carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.
- Too much bile in the stomach can cause nausea and vomiting.
- The bitterness in his voice was like bile.
- The liver produces bile continuously, even when we are not eating.