||Cir*rho"sis (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. &?; orange-colored: cf. F. cirrhose. So called from the yellowish appearance which the diseased liver often presents when cut.] (Med.) A disease of the liver in which it usually becomes smaller in size and more dense and fibrous in consistence; hence sometimes applied to similar changes in other organs, caused by increase in the fibrous framework and decrease in the proper substance of the organ.

• (pathology) A chronic disease of the liver caused by damage from toxins (including alcohol), metabolic problems, hepatitis or nutritional deprivation. It is characterised by an increase of fibrous tissue and the destruction of liver cells.