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 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
Examples of liver in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024
Scientific evidence shows that some supplements for liver health may be helpful, especially when liver disease is present.
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
From liver disease to skin cancer, plenty of conditions can manifest through our skin.
—Tayler Adigun, Essence, 31 Oct. 2024
No cause of death was immediately available, but the Associated Press reported that Lesh had previously survived prostate cancer, bladder cancer and a liver transplant in 1998 brought on by a hepatitis C infection and years of heavy drinking.
—Dan Heching, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for liver 
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Noun
Monitor and treat chronic conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, liver disease, or kidney disease can affect ferritin levels.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024
Scientific evidence shows that some supplements for liver health may be helpful, especially when liver disease is present.
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
From liver disease to skin cancer, plenty of conditions can manifest through our skin.
—Tayler Adigun, Essence, 31 Oct. 2024
No cause of death was immediately available, but the Associated Press reported that Lesh had previously survived prostate cancer, bladder cancer and a liver transplant in 1998 brought on by a hepatitis C infection and years of heavy drinking.
—Dan Heching, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for liver
Dictionary Entries Near liver
Cite this Entry
“Liver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liver. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
liver
1 of 2 noun
liv·er
ˈliv-ər 
1
a
: a large glandular organ of vertebrates that secretes bile and causes changes in the blood (as by changing sugars into glycogen and by forming urea)
b
: any of various large probably digestive glands of invertebrate animals
2
: the liver of an animal (as of a calf or chicken) eaten as food
liver
2 of 2 noun
liv·er
ˈliv-ər
: one that lives especially in a specified way
Medical Definition
liver
noun
liv·er
ˈliv-ər
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
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