adjective
hepatic
hih-PAT-ik/hɪˈpætɪk/
Relating to the liver.
The hepatic artery carries oxygen-rich blood to the liver.
Etymology
The Greek noun for “liver” becomes an adjective meaning “pertaining to the liver.” The English medical sense preserves this direct relationship to the organ.
In context
… post hepatic causes of jaundice in post-hepatic causes of jaundice something's happening after the liver to increase bilirubin …
More examples
- Blood tests help the doctor assess hepatic function.
- The scan reveals a small hepatic cyst.
- Some medications can cause hepatic injury.
Forms
hepatitis noun — Inflammation of the liver from various causes.
Similar words
- liver-related
- A plain-language substitute, especially when explaining medical information.