cirrhosis

cir·rho·sis

noun \sə-ˈrō-səs\

plural cir·rho·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of CIRRHOSIS

: widespread disruption of normal liver structure by fibrosis and the formation of regenerative nodules that is caused by any of various chronic progressive conditions affecting the liver (as long-term alcohol abuse or hepatitis)

— cir·rhot·ic \-ˈrä-tik\ adjective or noun

Origin of CIRRHOSIS

New Latin, from Greek kirrhos orange-colored; akin to Old English hār gray — more at hoar

First Known Use: circa 1847

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

Rhymes with CIRRHOSIS

hypnosis, kenosis, lordosis, meiosis, miosis, mitosis, narcosis, necrosis, neurosis, orthosis, osmosis, prognosis, psychosis, sclerosis, stenosis, thrombosis

cir·rho·sis

noun \sə-ˈrō-səs\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; cir·rho·ses \-ˌsēz\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of CIRRHOSIS

: widespread disruption of normal liver structure by fibrosis and the formation of regenerative nodules that is caused by any of various chronic progressive conditions affecting the liver (as long-term alcohol abuse or hepatitis)—see biliary cirrhosis

cirrhosis

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Degeneration of functioning liver cells and their replacement with fibrous connective tissue, leading to scarring. The most common cause is alcohol abuse with malnutrition. Others include bile duct obstruction, viral infection, toxins, iron or copper accumulation in liver cells, and syphilis. Jaundice, edema, and great abdominal swelling are common in all. Death usually results from internal bleeding or hepatic coma due to blood chemical imbalance.