To save this word, you'll need to log in.
liv·er | \ ˈli-vər 
\
\Definition of liver
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a : 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 probably 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
liver
noun (2)liv·er | \ ˈli-vər \
\Definition of liver (Entry 2 of 2)
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for liver
liver
nounliv·er | \ ˈli-vər \
\Kids Definition of liver
: 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
liver
nounliv·er | \ ˈliv-ər \
\Medical Definition of liver
1a : 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
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on liver
What made you want to look up liver? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Name that Thing: Flower Edition
- Name that flower
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Share liver
Time Traveler for liver
The first known use of liver was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century