liver

1 of 2

noun (1)

liv·​er ˈli-vər 

1

a

: a large very vascular glandular organ of vertebrates that secretes bile and causes important changes in many of the substances contained in the blood (as by converting sugars into glycogen which it stores up until required and by forming urea)

b

: any of various large compound glands associated with the digestive tract of invertebrate animals and probably concerned with the secretion of digestive enzymes

2

archaic : a determinant of the quality or temper of a man

3

: the liver of an animal (such as a calf or chicken) eaten as food

4

: a grayish reddish brown

called also liver brown, liver maroon

liver

2 of 2

noun (2)

liv·​er ˈli-vər 

1

: one that lives especially in a specified way

a fast liver

2

: resident

Examples of liver in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

During exercise, blood flow is rerouted to the working muscles and away from other tissues like the liver and gut. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 16 May 2024

The liver laceration caused a rapid decline in the boy’s condition, police say, citing the autopsy. —Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 15 May 2024

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating an outbreak of the highly contagious liver disease hepatitis A among its homeless population. —Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024

One genetic variant, in particular, would have tripled his risk for liver disease. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2024

The following day, a vet told her that Boo had liver torsion, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. —Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 9 May 2024

Also called cholangiocarcinoma, bile duct cancer is a rare disease in which cancer cells form in the ducts, or tubes, connecting the liver, gallbladder and small intestine according to the National Cancer Institute. —Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 8 May 2024

By Jamie Ducharme May 2, 2024 8:12 AM EDT A decade ago, Egypt had one of the world’s highest rates of hepatitis C, a viral infection that is spread through contact with infected blood and damages the liver, sometimes fatally. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 2 May 2024

For this reason, people with heart conditions and liver problems should absolutely consult a doctor or nutrition expert before trying MCT oil. —Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English lifer; akin to Old High German lebra liver

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing liver

• chopped liver
• cod-liver oil
• liver fluke
• liver pudding
• liver sausage
• liver spots

Kids Definition

liver

1 of 2 noun

liv·​er ˈliv-ər 

1

a

: a large glandular organ of vertebrates that secretes bile and causes changes in the blood (as by changing sugars into glycogen and by forming urea)

b

: any of various large probably digestive glands of invertebrate animals

2

: the liver of an animal (as of a calf or chicken) eaten as food

liver

2 of 2 noun

liv·​er ˈliv-ər 

: one that lives especially in a specified way

Medical Definition

liver

noun

liv·​er ˈliv-ər 

1

a

: a large very vascular glandular organ of vertebrates that secretes bile and causes important changes in many of the substances contained in the blood which passes through it (as by converting sugars into glycogen which it stores up until required and by forming urea), that in humans is the largest gland in the body, weighs from 40 to 60 ounces (1100 to 1700 grams), is a dark red color, and occupies the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity immediately below the diaphragm, that is divided by fissures into five lobes, and that receives blood both from the hepatic artery and the portal vein and returns it to the systemic circulation by the hepatic veins

b

: any of various large compound glands associated with the digestive tract of invertebrate animals and probably concerned with the secretion of digestive enzymes

2

: the liver of an animal (as a calf or pig) eaten as food or used as a source of pharmaceutical products (as liver extract)

3

: disease or disorder of the liver : biliousness