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
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.
According to John Barrymore: Shakespearean Actor by Michael A. Morrison, John was diagnosed with bronchial pneumonia, hardening of the arteries, hemorrhaging ulcers and cirrhosis of the liver. Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025 Now a promising new study shows that weight-loss surgery could reduce the chances of severe complications, even in some patients with cirrhosis. Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025 In some people, the infection can lead to cirrhosis (extensive liver scarring), liver failure, and liver cancer.15 Summary Most people vaccinated against hepatitis B do not need a booster dose. James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2025 Other causes of cirrhosis include bile duct disease and genetic diseases, the American Liver Foundation also reported. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 27 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

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Cite this Entry

“Cirrhosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cirrhosis. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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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