liver

noun (1)

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)

1 : one that lives especially in a specified way a fast liver

2 : resident

Learn More About liver

Dictionary Entries Near liver

live paycheck to paycheck

liver

liverberry

Statistics for liver

Cite this Entry

“Liver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liver. Accessed 24 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for liver

liver

noun

liv·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

noun

liv·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