Membean is an incredibly effective way to learn words and permanently remember them.
Learn more on how we help for Test Prep, Personal Learning, or get it for your School.

  • Adj.

bilious

BIL-yuhs

Context
Help

Bilious Billy possessed a rather unpleasant personality, which was made worse by his terribly bad breath and body odor. Many co-workers had attempted to tell Billy politely about this pungent physical problem, but he would not listen since he was so bilious or irritable. As a result of his bilious, disagreeable behavior and unhealthy presence, he soon lost the few friends he did have.

Quiz: What could make you bilious?

  • You bought a good book and just realized that you can start reading it that evening.
  • You just saw a car in the shape of a large banana drive down your street.
  • Your back constantly hurts, you can’t sleep, and you’re way behind in your work.
Definition

Memory Hook
Help

Billy Club! When the bilious policeman took out his billy club, we weren't going to wait around to see his temper really flare into bullying us!

Examples
Help

  • That is why New York hockey so needs a bilious rivalry between the Rangers, who have not won a pro title since 1940, and the Islanders, who are slipping after winning four cups in their first 18 years. Hate sustains interest. — The New York Times
  • Leave it to the Washington political industry to turn voter alienation into new business. In the current bilious atmosphere, it's no longer enough merely to be a challenger. — Newsweek

Word Ingredients
Help

bil bile, yellowish fluid secreted by the liver
-ious of the nature of

Medieval medicine taught that the body possessed four fluids or humors: black bile, yellow bile (choler), blood, and phlegm; the relative concentrations of these four humors, different for each person, determined mood, health, and general disposition. An excess of choler, or “yellow bile,” made one angry or irritable.

Word Constellation
Help

Bilious