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 adjective or noun

Examples of cirrhosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web He was diagnosed with non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, which ultimately led to his death. Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Jan. 2024 Reporters also used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the number of deaths from liver disease and cirrhosis that occurred in each state as an indicator of the need for liver transplants, as all candidates on the liver transplant wait list have end-stage liver disease. Ben Tanen, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2024 And continued alcohol consumption despite intolerance may also elevate the risk for several serious health conditions, such as cancer of the mouth and throat, liver disease (including cirrhosis), and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 25 Nov. 2023 Five million people in the United States have been diagnosed with chronic liver disease and 80% of people with cirrhosis may develop HE, Young notes. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 4 Oct. 2023 In August of that year, her husband died from cirrhosis of the liver. Jennifer Egan, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023 While seeking treatment for cirrhosis of the liver in 2022, he was diagnosed with liver cancer. Jim Ruland, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2023 Treating cirrhosis starts at around $23,000 per year and reaches $60,000 a year when the disease enters its end stage. John Whyte, Fortune, 16 Mar. 2023 When the cause of cirrhosis is long-term alcohol abuse, treatment typically involves refraining from alcohol and taking medications to prevent further liver damage. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 4 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cirrhosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near cirrhosis

Cite this Entry

“Cirrhosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cirrhosis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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