cirrhosis Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a chronic disease interfering with the normal functioning of the liver; the major cause is chronic alcoholism
cirrhosis of the liver.

NL., fr. Gr. orange-colored: cf. F. cirrhose. So called from the yellowish appearance which the diseased liver often presents when cut.

(Med.) A disease of the liver in which it usually becomes smaller in size and more dense and fibrous in consistence; hence sometimes applied to similar changes in other organs, caused by increase in the fibrous framework and decrease in the proper substance of the organ.