black bile
noun
Meaning
- One of the four humours of ancient and mediaeval physiology, that was believed to be secreted by the kidneys and spleen and to cause melancholy and sadness when present in excess.
Etymology / origin
Calque of Latin ātra bīlis, itself a calque of Ancient Greek μελαγχολία (melankholía).
- μελαγχολία(Ancient Greek)→
- atra bilis(Latin)→
- black bile (English)
- Relations: cal, der
Related words
Sources
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