fatty liver

noun

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Definition of fatty liver

: an abnormal condition of the liver that is marked by excess lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes and is typically associated with obesity, malnutrition, rapid weight loss, excessive alcohol consumption, hyperlipidemia, toxins, or diabetes; also : a liver affected with fatty liver

Recent Examples of fatty liver from the Web

There’s a simple way to double or even triple your company’s stock price overnight: announce positive results from a clinical trial involving a drug to treat the fatty liver disease known as NASH.

— adam feuerstein, STAT, "Questionable data aside, Galmed Pharma soars in a fatty liver stock bubble," 12 June 2018
This can result in myriad symptoms such as anemia, bloating, diarrhea, depression and fatty liver.

— lauren delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "A guide to gluten-free-friendly dining in Central Florida," 10 May 2018
The Ionis drug treats a form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and ultimately liver failure.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Ionis earns $30 million upfront in third deal with AstraZeneca," 9 Apr. 2018
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition that causes fat to deposit in the liver.

— serena gordon, chicagotribune.com, "Red and processed meats linked to liver damage, study says," 22 Mar. 2018
Research has linked all of these ingredients to chronic health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and some types of cancer, according to King.

— lisa drayer, CNN, "'Detox' from overly processed foods: Why and how to cut back," 8 Mar. 2018
Research has linked all of these ingredients to chronic health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and some types of cancer, according to King.

— lisa drayer, CNN, "'Detox' from overly processed foods: Why and how to cut back," 8 Mar. 2018
MediciNova announced the early termination of a mid-stage study because of positive results in patients with NASH, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a fatty liver disease.

— adam feuerstein, STAT, "Experimental drug might reduce fat in blood, but a NASH cure? Not so fast," 2 Apr. 2018
Research has linked all of these ingredients to chronic health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and some types of cancer, according to King.

— lisa drayer, CNN, "'Detox' from overly processed foods: Why and how to cut back," 8 Mar. 2018

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

First Known Use of fatty liver

circa 1839

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

fatty liver

noun

medical Definition of fatty liver

1 : an abnormal condition of the liver that is marked by excess accumulation of lipids (such as triglycerides) in the hepatocytes and is typically associated with obesity, malnutrition, rapid weight loss, excessive alcohol consumption, high levels of fat in the blood, diabetes, or toxins

Note: Fatty liver is often asymptomatic and benign but may progress to fibrosis and liver failure.

2 : a liver affected with fatty liver