cirrhosis

noun

cir·​rho·​sis sə-ˈrō-səs 

plural cirrhoses sə-ˈrō-ˌsēz 

: 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 (such as long-term alcohol abuse or hepatitis)

cirrhotic

sə-ˈrä-tik 

adjective or noun

Examples of cirrhosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over time, that short-term fibrosis can become cirrhosis, or serious permanent scarring. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2025

Over time, this can lead to scarring (fibrosis) or severe liver disease (cirrhosis) that may require a transplant. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Ultimately, cirrhosis can progress to end-stage liver disease, or liver failure. —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 10 Aug. 2025

This drug is known to result in scarring of the liver, a condition known as cirrhosis which can then lead to liver cancer. —Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cirrhosis

• fibrosis
• gliosis
• hypnosis
• ichthyosis
• ketosis
• kurtosis
• lordosis
• meiosis
• miosis
• mitosis
• mycosis
• narcosis

Kids Definition

cirrhosis

noun

cir·​rho·​sis sə-ˈrō-səs 

: an increase in fiber-containing tissue and hardening of the liver

Medical Definition

cirrhosis

noun

cir·​rho·​sis sə-ˈrō-səs 

plural cirrhoses -ˌsēz 

: 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