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

The accumulation of fat in the liver causes inflammation, which leads to fibrosis, or liver scarring, and can progress in more advanced stages to cirrhosis, cancer, and the need for a liver transplant. —Adam Feuerstein Reprints, STAT, 14 Mar. 2024

Unlocking genetic secrets Could Beethoven's cirrhosis of the liver have been caused by excessive drinking? —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 22 Mar. 2023

Second, rates of liver disease in the U.S., including cirrhosis, are rising. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024

He was diagnosed with non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, which ultimately led to his death. —Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Jan. 2024

Reporters also used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the number of deaths from liver disease and cirrhosis that occurred in each state as an indicator of the need for liver transplants, as all candidates on the liver transplant wait list have end-stage liver disease. —Ben Tanen, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2024

And continued alcohol consumption despite intolerance may also elevate the risk for several serious health conditions, such as cancer of the mouth and throat, liver disease (including cirrhosis), and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 25 Nov. 2023

Five million people in the United States have been diagnosed with chronic liver disease and 80% of people with cirrhosis may develop HE, Young notes. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 4 Oct. 2023

In August of that year, her husband died from cirrhosis of the liver. —Jennifer Egan, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023

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

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