fatty liver

noun

: 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

Examples of fatty liver in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Semaglutide was also just approved as a treatment for MASH (Metabolic dysfunction–Associated SteatoHepatitis, a serious type of fatty liver disease). Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Made from the fatty liver of a duck or goose, most foie gras production faces accusations of force-feeding the animals. Meredith Kile, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Scientists don’t know exactly why GLP-1 helps treat fatty liver. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2025 Excess sugar intake is strongly linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and heart disease. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fatty liver

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fatty liver was circa 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Fatty liver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fatty%20liver. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

fatty liver

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on fatty liver

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