hepatitis

American  

[hep-uh-tahy-tis] / ˌhɛp əˈtaɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of the liver, caused by a virus or a toxin and characterized by jaundice, liver enlargement, and fever.

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hepatitis British  

/ ˌhɛpəˈtaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of the liver, characterized by fever, jaundice, and weakness See hepatitis A hepatitis B hepatitis C

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hepatitis Scientific  

/ hĕp′ə-tī′tĭs /

1. Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by any of various infectious agents or toxins, including alcohol and numerous chemical compounds. Symptoms usually include jaundice, fatigue, fever, liver enlargement, and abdominal pain. There are five types of viral hepatitis: A, B,C, D, and E. Hepatitis A, an acute infection caused by a virus of the genus Hepatovirus is transmitted by contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B, caused by a virus of the genus Orthohepadnavirus and Hepatitis C, caused by a virus of the genus Hepacivirus, are more serious infections that are transmitted through infected bodily fluids such as blood and semen.

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hepatitis Cultural  

1. An inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is most often caused by a virus, but it can be the result of exposure to certain toxic agents, such as drugs or chemicals. One viral form of the disease is spread by contaminated food and water, and other forms by contaminated injection needles and blood transfusions. Symptoms of hepatitis include fever and jaundice.

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Etymology

Origin of hepatitis

From the Greek word hēpatîtis, dating back to 1720–30. See hepat-, -itis

Explanation

Hepatitis is a medical condition that causes inflammation in the liver. Most types of hepatitis are caused by a virus. An inflamed liver from hepatitis can produce very mild symptoms or much more serious ones. Five main variants of one virus cause most cases of hepatitis, although there are additional causes, including other infections, medications, heavy alcohol intake, and toxins. The condition's symptoms include hints that the liver isn't working right, like yellowing of the eyes. Hepatitis is from the Greek hepar, "liver," and -itis, "inflammation."

Example Sentences

Let’s also not forget that detention centers run by the Department of Homeland Security are cesspools for medical neglect and disease, including measles, mumps and hepatitis A outbreaks.

From Salon • May 11, 2026

According to Public Health Wales, hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and is usually spread through contaminated food and drink.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Late-phase data for the U.K. drugmaker’s camlipixant and bepirovirsen in refractory chronic cough and hepatitis B, respectively, are due and the outcome of a portfolio review should come alongside second-quarter results, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Gilead Sciences, the maker of two stratospherically high-priced drugs for hepatitis C patients, says it cares deeply about enabling patient access to the drugs and “enabling healthcare accessible for all Americans.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Citing exhaustion and, later, the effects of a recent and ongoing bout with hepatitis, Knight departed the campus, leaving the students no negotiating partner.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson