liver

noun liv·er \ ˈli-vər \

Definition of liver

1 a : a large very vascular glandular organ of vertebrates that secretes bile and causes important changes in many of the substances contained in the blood (as by converting sugars into glycogen which it stores up until required and by forming urea)

b : any of various large compound glands associated with the digestive tract of invertebrate animals and prob. concerned with the secretion of digestive enzymes

2 archaic : a determinant of the quality or temper of a man

3 : the liver of an animal (such as a calf or chicken) eaten as food

4 : a grayish reddish brown — called also liver brown, liver maroon

Origin and Etymology of liver

Middle English, from Old English lifer; akin to Old High German lebra liver

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

liver

noun liv·er \ ˈli-vər \

Definition of liver

1 : one that lives especially in a specified way

a fast liver

2 : resident

First Known Use of liver

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

LIVER Defined for Kids

liver

noun liv·er \ ˈli-vər \

Definition of liver for Students

: a large gland in the body that has a rich blood supply, secretes bile, and helps in storing some nutrients and in forming some body wastes

Medical Dictionary

liver

noun liv·er \ ˈliv-ər \

medical Definition of liver

1 a : a large very vascular glandular organ of vertebrates that secretes bile and causes important changes in many of the substances contained in the blood which passes through it (as by converting sugars into glycogen which it stores up until required and by forming urea), that in humans is the largest gland in the body, weighs from 40 to 60 ounces (1100 to 1700 grams), is a dark red color, and occupies the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity immediately below the diaphragm, that is divided by fissures into five lobes, and that receives blood both from the hepatic artery and the portal vein and returns it to the systemic circulation by the hepatic veins

b : any of various large compound glands associated with the digestive tract of invertebrate animals and probably concerned with the secretion of digestive enzymes

2 : the liver of an animal (as a calf or pig) eaten as food or used as a source of pharmaceutical products (as liver extract)

3 : disease or disorder of the liver : biliousness