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Definition of "bilious" []

  • Of, relating to, or containing bile; biliary. (adjective)
  • Characterized by an excess secretion of bile. (adjective)
  • Relating to, characterized by, or experiencing gastric distress caused by a disorder of the liver or gallbladder. (adjective)
  • Appearing as if affected by such a disorder; sickly. (adjective)
  • Resembling bile, especially in color: a bilious green. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "bilious" in a sentence
  • "Therefore, to apply the term bilious to this temperament is not only unreasonable, but it is calculated to mislead."
  • "Cook was now taken seriously ill and was confined to his bed for several days by what he calls the bilious cholic, during which time"
  • "The captain was now again taken ill of what he calls a bilious colic, which was so severe as to confine him to his bed, the charge of the ship devolving on Mr Cooper."