hepatitis
noun
also hepatitises
ˌhe-pə-ˈtī-tə-səz
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The liver, the body's largest gland, performs many important tasks, but is also vulnerable to many illnesses. At least five types of hepatitis, labeled with the letters A–E, are caused by viruses. The most common are hepatitis A, acquired through contaminated food and water; hepatitis B, which usually travels via sexual activity or shared needles; and hepatitis C, generally passed through shared needles. Some other types, including alcoholic hepatitis (caused by drinking too much alcohol), aren't infectious. There are vaccines for types A and B, and drug treatments for A, B, and C, though the drugs aren't always effective.
Examples of hepatitis in a Sentence
Adeola Adeosun
gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
The panel will debate recommendations for hepatitis B, COVID-19, and measles vaccines, and could vote on whether to modify the newborn hepatitis B policy.
—Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
And the collection of studies showed that vaccine requirements reduced the incidence of measles, mumps, influenza and hepatitis.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
If the spit is tied to an infectious disease — such as hepatitis, TB, or COVID-19 — it can be considered a greater threat and result in harsher penalties.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hepatitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hepatitis. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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hepatitis
noun
also hepatitises
Medical Definition
hepatitis
noun
also hepatitises
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