fatty liver

noun

: an abnormal condition of the liver that is marked by excess lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes and is typically associated with obesity, malnutrition, rapid weight loss, excessive alcohol consumption, hyperlipidemia, toxins, or diabetes

also : a liver affected with fatty liver

Examples of fatty liver in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But could the excessive alcohol the bacteria was making actually give rise to fatty liver? —Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 4 May 2024

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease—characterized by a build-up of fat in the liver—affects about a quarter of the world’s population. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 11 June 2024

Most people associate fatty liver disease with alcoholism. —Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 4 May 2024

The four stages of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. —Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 4 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1839, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

fatty liver

noun

1

: an abnormal condition of the liver that is marked by excess accumulation of lipids (such as triglycerides) in the hepatocytes and is typically associated with obesity, malnutrition, rapid weight loss, excessive alcohol consumption, high levels of fat in the blood, diabetes, or toxins

Note: Fatty liver is often asymptomatic and benign but may progress to fibrosis and liver failure.

2

: a liver affected with fatty liver