cirrhosis

noun

cir·​rho·​sis sə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce cirrhosis (audio)
plural cirrhoses sə-ˈrō-ˌsēz How to pronounce cirrhosis (audio)
: widespread disruption of normal liver structure by fibrosis and the formation of regenerative nodules that is caused by any of various chronic progressive conditions affecting the liver (such as long-term alcohol abuse or hepatitis)
cirrhotic
sə-ˈrä-tik How to pronounce cirrhosis (audio)
adjective or noun

Examples of cirrhosis 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.
The inflammation and scarring caused by excess fat may eventually lead to cirrhosis, which increases the risk of liver failure and liver cancer. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025 People who require liver transplants typically have cirrhosis, a condition in which healthy tissue in the liver is replaced with scar tissue caused by swelling and inflammation. — Aria Bendix, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025 Long-term — or chronic — hepatitis C and B infections can lead to liver disease and cirrhosis, with the American Liver Foundation saying that one in four people with chronic hepatitis C develop cirrhosis. — Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025 Per the organization, cirrhosis — scarring of the liver — is the most common cause of chronic liver failure and the most frequent reason for a liver transplant. — Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cirrhosis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek kirrhos orange-colored; akin to Old English hār gray — more at hoar

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cirrhosis was circa 1847

Rhymes for cirrhosis

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Browse Nearby Words

cirrhosis
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Cite this Entry

“Cirrhosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cirrhosis. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

cirrhosis

noun
cir·​rho·​sis sə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce cirrhosis (audio)
: an increase in fiber-containing tissue and hardening of the liver

Medical Definition

cirrhosis

noun
cir·​rho·​sis sə-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce cirrhosis (audio)
plural cirrhoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce cirrhosis (audio)
: widespread disruption of normal liver structure by fibrosis and the formation of regenerative nodules that is caused by any of various chronic progressive conditions affecting the liver (as long-term alcohol abuse or hepatitis) see biliary cirrhosis

More from Merriam-Webster on cirrhosis

Nglish: Translation of cirrhosis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cirrhosis

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