Relating to or affecting the liver. Used in medical contexts to describe liver function, disease, or anatomy.
From Greek hepar, hepat- meaning 'liver', related to the root that gives us 'hepatitis'. The Greeks chose this word possibly from the liver's color, connecting it to words for dark red or brown.
The liver was considered the seat of emotions in ancient times - we still say someone is 'lily-livered' for cowardly! Ironically, the liver is actually one of our most resilient organs, capable of regenerating itself, making it quite brave indeed.
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