hepatitis
noun
also hepatitises
ˌhe-pə-ˈtī-tə-səz
Did you know?
The liver, the body's largest gland, performs many important tasks, but is also vulnerable to many illnesses. At least five types of hepatitis, labeled with the letters A–E, are caused by viruses. The most common are hepatitis A, acquired through contaminated food and water; hepatitis B, which usually travels via sexual activity or shared needles; and hepatitis C, generally passed through shared needles. Some other types, including alcoholic hepatitis (caused by drinking too much alcohol), aren't infectious. There are vaccines for types A and B, and drug treatments for A, B, and C, though the drugs aren't always effective.
Examples of hepatitis in a Sentence
Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025
The most serious side effect associated with turmeric is liver damage, including hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).13
Certain forms of magnesium, such as magnesium oxide or magnesium sulfate, may be more likely to cause side effects than other types.
—Alex Yampolsky, Health, 27 Jan. 2025
There is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A. Cases can range from mild to severe, occasionally but rarely causing death.
—Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
The Milwaukee Health Department is holding an emergency vaccination clinic Monday afternoon for people who may have been exposed to hepatitis A after eating at the east side restaurant Beans & Barley.
—Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 18 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hepatitis 
Dictionary Entries Near hepatitis
Cite this Entry
“Hepatitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hepatitis. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hepatitis
noun
also hepatitises
Medical Definition
hepatitis
noun
also hepatitises
Share