cirrhosis

noun

cir·​rho·​sis sə-ˈrō-səs 

plural cirrhoses sə-ˈrō-ˌsēz 

: 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 

adjective or noun

Examples of cirrhosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The association between alcohol and cancer isn’t new news – scientists have been trying to determine the link for decades – yet most people aren’t aware of the risks and may only associate drinking with liver disease like cirrhosis. —Nikki Crowley, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

But the man's condition worsened, progressing into cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma, also known as liver cancer. —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 4 Jan. 2025

Untreated liver inflammation can worsen into cirrhosis and induce the development of tumors. —Ingfei Chen, The New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2024

With Cirrhosis The timeline for regeneration is much less predictable in cases of cirrhosis. —Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

cirrhosis

noun

cir·​rho·​sis sə-ˈrō-səs 

: an increase in fiber-containing tissue and hardening of the liver

Medical Definition

cirrhosis

noun

cir·​rho·​sis sə-ˈrō-səs 

plural cirrhoses -ˌsēz 

: 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