fatty liver

noun

: an abnormal condition of the liver that is marked by excess lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes and is typically associated with obesity, malnutrition, rapid weight loss, excessive alcohol consumption, hyperlipidemia, toxins, or diabetes
also : a liver affected with fatty liver

Examples of fatty liver in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Key Takeaways Metabolically unhealthy normal weight is often associated with higher visceral fat, fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and abnormal cholesterol levels. — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026 What to do about your fatty liver Kais says one of the most important ways to manage the condition is to understand the root cause of the diagnosis. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 Besides obesity, GLP-1s are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, a form of fatty liver disease called MASH and risk reduction related to cardiovascular events. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 One study cited in that coverage linked very fast eating to an 81% higher risk of fatty liver disease. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fatty liver

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fatty liver was circa 1839

Rhymes for fatty liver

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Browse Nearby Words

fatty acid
fatty liver
fatty paint
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Cite this Entry

“Fatty liver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fatty%20liver. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

fatty liver

noun
1
: an abnormal condition of the liver that is marked by excess accumulation of lipids (such as triglycerides) in the hepatocytes and is typically associated with obesity, malnutrition, rapid weight loss, excessive alcohol consumption, high levels of fat in the blood, diabetes, or toxins

Note: Fatty liver is often asymptomatic and benign but may progress to fibrosis and liver failure.

2
: a liver affected with fatty liver

More from Merriam-Webster on fatty liver

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fatty liver

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