Cirrhosis or cirrhosis of the liver is a disease which destroys a person's liver and which can kill them. It is often caused by drinking too much alcohol.
cirrhosis in British English
(sɪˈrəʊsɪs)
noun
any of various progressive diseases of the liver, characterized by death of liver cells, irreversible fibrosis, etc: caused by inadequate diet, excessive alcohol, chronic infection, etc
Also called: cirrhosis of the liver
Derived forms
cirrhosed (cirˈrhosed)
adjective
cirrhotic (sɪˈrɒtɪk)
adjective
Word origin
C19: New Latin, from Greek kirrhos orange-coloured + -osis; referring to the appearance of the diseased liver
cirrhosis in American English
(səˈroʊsɪs)
nounWord forms: pluralcirˈrhoˌses (səˈroʊˌsiz)
a degenerative disease in an organ of the body, esp. the liver, marked by excess formation of connective tissue and, usually, subsequent painful swelling
Derived forms
cirrhotic (cirˈrhotic) (səˈrɑtɪk)
adjective
Word origin
ModL < Gr kirrhos, tawny + -osis: so named by R. T. H. Laënnec (1781-1826), Fr physician, because of the orange-yellowappearance of the diseased liver
Examples of 'cirrhosis' in a sentence
cirrhosis
We cannot ignore the rising tide of deaths from cirrhosis of the liver.
The Sun (2007)
How do these people survive without succumbing to lung cancer and cirrhosis of the liver?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
And you can end up with cirrhosis or liver cancer.
The Sun (2012)
Men and women in their twenties with cirrhosis of the liver.
The Sun (2013)
He died of cirrhosis of the liver.
The Sun (2013)
Half of all cases of cirrhosis of the liver are caused by heavy boozing.
The Sun (2008)
He was diabetic, perhaps already suffering from the liver disease cirrhosis.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, which results in the organ failing and often death.
The Sun (2008)
Alcohol abuse accounts for much of the increase in early deaths from chronic disease and cirrhosis, with obesity adding to the toll.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Less funny was a diagnosis of hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This can lead to more permanent liver damage and, in extreme cases, cirrhosis and liver failure.
The Sun (2012)
Drink more and the risks of stroke, high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver and a broad range of cancers also increases.