Liver

Definition

A large, lobed glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates, involved in many metabolic processes.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɪvər/
• Respelling: LIV-er (with "LIV" as in "give" and "er" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɪvə/
• Respelling: LIV-uh (with "LIV" as in "give" and "uh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "liver" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LIV." The American pronunciation uses a pronounced "er" sound at the end, while the British pronunciation uses a softer "uh" sound.

Etymology

The term "liver" originates from Old English "lifer", which is related to Dutch "lever" and German "Leber", all referring to the same organ.

Derivatives

• Liverish
• Liverwort
• Liverwurst
• Livered (as in "lily-livered")
• Liver function

Synonyms

• Hepatic organ
• Viscus
• Gland

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and digestion. It is also a central focus in various medical studies and treatments due to its significance in overall health.

Related Terms

• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Bile
• Hepatic
• Bilirubin

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Liver (Noun): A large lobed glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates, involved in many metabolic processes.
  • Example: "The liver filters toxins from the blood and produces bile for digestion."

In summary, the liver is a vital organ with a wide range of essential functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and digestion. Its importance in medical science and overall health is significant, making it a central focus of study and treatment in various healthcare fields. Derived from the Old English "lifer," the term has a consistent presence in Germanic languages.