cirrhosis

noun cir·rho·sis \ sə-ˈrō-səs \

|Updated on: 2 Jul 2018

Definition of cirrhosis

plural cirrhoses play \-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)

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cirrhotic

play \-ˈrä-tik\ adjective or noun

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Recent Examples of cirrhosis from the Web

If untreated, fatty liver disease can cause cirrhosis — scarring of the liver tissue — which can eventually lead to liver cancer or end-stage liver failure.

— ronald concha-parra, Philly.com, "Q&A: Am I at risk for fatty liver disease?," 23 June 2018
Several weeks later, on June 5, he was transferred to Wellstar Hospital in Austell with acute cirrhosis of the liver.

— meris lutz, ajc, "Cobb on hook for Wellstar legal fees in wrongful death suit," 11 June 2018
Hanneman — who wrote several of the band’s most important songs — was a rock ’n’ roll casualty, claimed by liver failure from cirrhosis.

— andrew dansby, Houston Chronicle, "One more storm of blood from Slayer, on the metals band’s final tour," 13 June 2018
Months before news of Haynes’ divorce filing, his mother Dana Mitchell died on March 23 due to advanced cirrhosis of the liver.

— karen mizoguchi, PEOPLE.com, "Inside Colton Haynes and Jeff Leatham’s Whirlwind 6-Month Marriage and Divorce," 9 May 2018
Other conditions to be cautious about are autoimmune diseases like lupus, migraines with aura, and cirrhosis of the liver.

— tori rodriguez, Woman's Day, "How Worried Should You Really Be About the Serious Health Risks Linked with Birth Control?," 11 July 2016
Severe alcoholism can cause a host of associated ailments, ranging from liver cirrhosis to brain atrophy and seizures, Dickie said.

— Anchorage Daily News, "An endless loop: Homeless, alcoholic and dependent on Anchorage’s fraying and expensive safety net," 20 Jan. 2016
Robinson’s wife, Marie, was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver three years ago, and has since waited to receive a liver transplant to extend her life.

— jason duaine hahn, ajc, "Desperate husband offers up his truck and one of his kidneys to anyone who can save dying wife," 12 May 2018
Robinson’s wife, Marie, was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver three years ago, and has since waited to receive a liver transplant to extend her life.

— jason duaine hahn, PEOPLE.com, "Desperate Husband Offers Up His Truck and 1 of His Kidneys to Anyone Who Can Save Dying Wife," 11 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cirrhosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.