An abnormal enlargement of the liver beyond its normal size.
From Greek 'hepar' (liver) + 'megaleia' (greatness, from 'mega' meaning great). The term crystallized in 19th-century clinical medicine as doctors developed systematic ways to measure and describe organ enlargement.
Hepatomegalia is incredibly common in both developing and developed nations—it can result from alcohol use, hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer, or even something as simple as fatty liver disease, making it one of the first signs doctors look for during physical exams.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.