n. 1. Any of various chronic diseases of the liver characterized by the replacement of normal tissue with fibrous tissue and the loss of functional liver cells, resulting from a variety of causes that include chronic alcoholism and certain diseases and infections, especially hepatitis C. 2. Chronic interstitial inflammation of any tissue or organ. No longer in clinical use. [New Latin : Greek kirros, tawny (from the color of the diseased liver) + -OSIS.] cir·rhotic (-rŏtĭk) adj. |
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