Hepatitis Meaning and Definition
Hepatitis
Pronunciation
/hɪˈpɛtɪtɪs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A medical condition marked by inflammation of the liver, typically caused by a viral infection, excessive alcohol consumption, or certain medications.
Etymology
The term “hepatitis” comes from the Greek words “hepar”, meaning liver, and “-itis”, meaning inflammation.
Usage Notes
Hepatitis is often classified into different types, including viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and toxic hepatitis.
Cultural References
Hepatitis has been featured in popular culture, such as in the medical drama TV series “House M.D.” and in the song “Hepatitis” by the band The Cinematic Orchestra.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
In medical contexts, the term “hepatitis” is often used in parallel with other terms, such as “liver disease” or “liver inflammation”.
Related Words or Phrases
- Viral
- Infection
- Inflammation
Collocations
- Hepatitis virus
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy risk
Frequency of Use
Hepatitis is a relatively common term in medical contexts, particularly in the fields of internal medicine and infectious diseases.
Common Misspellings
- Hepatitis vs. Hebetitis
- Hepatitis vs. Hepatitis