bilious
|bil-li-ous|
C2
/ˈbɪliəs/
bile → irritability
Etymology
Etymology Information
'bilious' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'biliosus', where 'bilis' meant 'bile'.
Historical Evolution
'bilious' changed from Latin 'biliosus' (and via Old French 'bilieux') into Middle English and eventually became the modern English word 'bilious'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'full of bile or relating to bile', but over time it evolved into its current common meaning of 'irritable or bad-tempered' (influenced by humoral theory linking bile to temperament).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
of or relating to bile; affected by or containing bile; (medicine/literary) causing nausea or vomiting.
He complained of a bilious feeling after the heavy meal.
Synonyms
biliary-relatedbile-related
Last updated: 2025/10/16 21:20