jaundice - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
jaundice Word Meanings
- a medical condition featuring yellowing of the skin and eyes
- a sign of liver problems
- a term for envy or jealousy in figurative use
jaundice Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
jaundice Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈdʒɔːndɪs/
US
/ˈdʒɔndɪs/
jaundice Word Etymology
Root: jaund- (from Old French 'jaunisse') + -ice. Historical origin: Latin 'galbinus' → Old French 'jaunisse' → English 'jaundice'. Memory image: Imagine a lemon turning a person's skin yellow, linking the color with the medical condition.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Jaundice is a medical condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow because bilirubin, a yellowish pigment, builds up in the body. It is not a disease by itself but a sign that something may be wrong with the liver, gallbladder, or red blood cells. Causes include liver diseases such as hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, certain medicines, or excessive red blood cell breakdown. In everyday language, the word jaundice is also used metaphorically to describe envy or jealousy, though that usage is much rarer in modern English and can feel old fashioned in casual speech. The etymology traces jaund- from Old French jaunisse, ultimately from Latin galbinus, meaning yellow; memory cue: imagine a lemon-colored glow signaling the condition.
Usage Reminders
- - Jaundice describes color change, not mood.
- - It is a medical sign, not a lifestyle trait.
- - Not all yellow skin is jaundice.
- - The metaphorical sense (envy) is uncommon in everyday speech.
- - Seek medical advice if yellowing appears, especially in babies or adults with other symptoms.
Common Misconceptions
- Jaundice is caused by sun exposure or a tan.
- Jaundice means you are a bad person or morally 'yellow'.
- Jaundice is a disease by itself rather than a sign.
- Only newborns can get jaundice.
- If you have jaundice, you must be seriously ill right away.
Thinking Differences
In English, jaundice is introduced as a direct color sign that something is medically off; learners often assume it only means liver disease and struggle with the metaphorical sense, which is rare and old-fashioned. Remember that many languages have separate terms for color alone and for medical signs, so direct translation may mislead if you equate yellow skin with personality or mood.
Learning Tips
- Remember the root jaund- meaning yellow.
- Link jaundice to bilirubin and liver function terms.
- Differentiate medical sign from metaphorical use.
- Practice pronunciation: JAWN-dis.
- Read patient-education material to see natural phrasing.
- Visualize a lemon or yellow glow to reinforce the concept.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'jaundice' mean?
A.A type of furniture found in a dining room.
B.A healthy dietary choice made in cooking.
C.A condition causing yellowing of the skin and eyes due to liver issues.
D.A musical genre originating in the 19th century.
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'jaundice'?
A.She felt a sense of jaundice when she received the news.
B.After the liver failure, he developed a noticeable jaundice.
C.The artist's latest painting was filled with bright jaundice colors.
D.Her laughter was infectious and filled the room with jaundice.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym for 'jaundice'?
A.Sallow
B.Cirrhosis
C.Melanosis
D.Hemophilia
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'jaundice'?
A.Illness
B.Healthiness
C.Distress
D.Affliction
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where someone might experience jaundice?
A.After a severe liver condition causes a visible color change in a patient's skin.
B.When people enjoy a picnic in a sunny park.
C.During a music festival filled with people dancing.
D.While celebrating a graduation ceremony with friends.
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