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
sə-ˈrä-tik How to pronounce cirrhosis (audio)
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.
At that stage, the disease raises the risk of liver failure, liver cancer and cirrhosis. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026 Hundreds of millions of people around the world have chronic hep B infections, which can lead to problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 28 May 2026 The hepatitis B vaccine prevents a disease that can lead to liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis. — CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026 Some people develop chronic hepatitis B, which can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 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

Rhymes for cirrhosis

See All Rhymes for cirrhosis

Browse Nearby Words

cirrhosed
cirrhosis
cirrhous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cirrhosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cirrhosis. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of cirrhosis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cirrhosis

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