Bile \Bile\, n. [L. bilis: cf. F. bile.]
1. (Physiol.) A yellow, or greenish, viscid fluid, usually
alkaline in reaction, secreted by the liver. It passes
into the intestines, where it aids in the digestive
process. Its characteristic constituents are the bile
salts, and coloring matters.
2. Bitterness of feeling; choler; anger; ill humor; as, to
stir one's bile. --Prescott.
Note: The ancients considered the bile to be the ``humor''
which caused irascibility.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) |