cirrhosis

noun cir·rho·sis \ sə-ˈrō-səs \

Updated on: 21 May 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)

—

cirrhotic

play \-ˈrä-tik\ adjective or noun

See cirrhosis defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of cirrhosis from the Web

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
Rogers died on April 19 after battling stage 4 liver cancer and non-alcoholic cirrhosis.

— anthony clark carpio, latimes.com, "Burbank City Council to interview 28 candidates for vacant seat," 9 May 2018
But doctors, the CDC and other organizations said the price tag was worth it — and cheaper in the end than providing liver transplants and other treatments for people dying of cirrhosis or liver cancer.

— NBC News, "Hepatitis C cure eludes patients as states struggle with costs," 6 May 2018
Streater had none of the usual risk factors for cirrhosis.

— shari rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, "Ben Davis teacher must 'get sicker' before he can get new liver," 4 Apr. 2018
In 1948, cirrhosis forced her into the first of a series of long-term hospitalizations.

— danielle jackson, Longreads, "Listening to the Words of Puerto Rican Poet Julia de Burgos After Hurricane Maria," 1 May 2018
About 200 friends, family members and local dignitaries gathered at the Castaway restaurant on Monday for a memorial service celebrating the life of Burbank Mayor Will Rogers, who died April 19 from stage 4 liver cancer and non-alcoholic cirrhosis.

— andy nguyen, latimes.com, "Mourners share stories and laughs at Mayor Will Rogers' memorial service," 25 Apr. 2018
Often caused by cirrhosis, esophageal varices develop when the liver can’t handle as much blood as normal because of scarring.

— shari rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, "Ben Davis teacher must 'get sicker' before he can get new liver," 4 Apr. 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.

Origin and Etymology of cirrhosis

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1847

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Medicine Terms

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

CIRRHOSIS Defined for English Language Learners

cirrhosis

noun

Definition of cirrhosis for English Language Learners

medical : a serious disease of the liver that can be caused by drinking too much alcohol

Medical Dictionary

cirrhosis

noun cir·rho·sis \ sə-ˈrō-səs \

medical Definition of cirrhosis

plural cirrhoses play \-ˌsēz\

Learn More about cirrhosis

See words that rhyme with cirrhosis Spanish Central: Translation of cirrhosis Nglish: Translation of cirrhosis for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cirrhosis for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cirrhosis

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cirrhosis

Definition of cirrhosis

cirrhotic

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Origin and Etymology of cirrhosis

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CIRRHOSIS Defined for English Language Learners

cirrhosis

Definition of cirrhosis for English Language Learners

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cirrhosis

medical Definition of cirrhosis

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