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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.


hepatitis British  
/ ˌhɛpəˈtaɪtɪs /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

hepatitis Scientific  
/ hĕp′ə-tītĭs /
  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.


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.


Etymology

Origin of hepatitis

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Vir is developing a handful of treatments for hepatitis, HIV, and cancer.

From Barron's

Vir is developing a handful of treatments for hepatitis, HIV, and cancer.

From Barron's

The author contrasts these examples with pharmaceutical executives at Gilead Sciences who prioritized higher profits over patient access by pricing hepatitis C treatment at $84,000 rather than the minimum profitable $55,000.

From Los Angeles Times

However, this did not translate into higher rates of serious liver conditions such as hepatitis or liver failure.

From Science Daily

The WHO recommends that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.

From BBC