Haematoidin

/ˌhiːmətɔɪˈdɪn/ noun

Definition

A yellow-orange breakdown product of hemoglobin that appears in bruises as they heal, formed from iron-free porphyrin.

Etymology

From haematoid + -in (chemical suffix). Discovered in the 1800s when scientists studied bruise healing and found this distinctive pigment.

Kelly Says

Haematoidin is why old bruises turn yellow-green—it's what remains after your body breaks down hemoglobin, and forensic pathologists can use its color to estimate how long ago someone was injured.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.