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

Drinking just one alcoholic beverage a day increases the risk of liver cirrhosis, esophageal cancer, oral cancer, and various injuries, a federal analysis suggests. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 5 Feb. 2025

When scarring is severe, it’s called liver cirrhosis. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024

The rare brain malformation occurs in utero and is incurable, just like Stage 4 liver cirrhosis. —Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 15 Dec. 2024

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

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