hepatitis C

noun

: an acute or chronic hepatitis that is caused by a flavivirus (species Hepatitis C virus of the genus Hepacivirus), is often asymptomatic in its early stages but may be marked by fatigue, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal tenderness, and muscle and joint pain, and is usually transmitted by infected blood (such as by injection of an illicit drug, blood transfusion, or exposure to blood or blood products)

Note: The acute or short-term stage of hepatitis C typically progresses to a long-term or chronic infection which often leads to liver damage, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Examples of hepatitis C in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another symptom of advanced liver disease, particularly PBC and hepatitis C, is itching. —Brittany Risher, SELF, 6 Dec. 2024

The genetic material of several human pathogens—among them MRSA, Bartonella quintana, and hepatitis C—has also been found in bedbugs outside the laboratory. —Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024

Here are a few examples of popular prescription drugs (and one device) that cost significantly more in the U.S. than in other countries: Sovaldi (a breakthrough treatment for hepatitis C) cost $84,000 for a 12-week course when it was initially launched in the U.S. —Web Golinkin, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Ribavirin is also used to treat hepatitis C, alongside other medicines, according to the Cleveland Clinic. —Addy Bink, The Hill, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hepatitis C

noun

-ˈsē 

: an acute or chronic hepatitis that is caused by a flavivirus (species Hepatitis C virus of the genus Hepacivirus), is often asymptomatic in its early stages but may be marked by fatigue, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal tenderness, and muscle and joint pain, and is usually transmitted by infected blood (as by injection of an illicit drug, blood transfusion, or exposure to blood or blood products)

Note: The acute or short-term stage of hepatitis C typically progresses to a long-term or chronic infection which often leads to liver damage, liver failure, or liver cancer.