# hepatic

/həˈpætɪk/ (US) · /hɛpˈætɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hepatic
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

relating to the liver. Doctors use this word to describe things that happen in or affect this organ.

For teachers: relating to the liver. Often used in medical contexts to describe physiological processes, diseases, or anatomical structures associated with the liver.

## Examples

- The patient showed signs of hepatic failure.
- Doctors ordered a series of blood tests to check his hepatic function after he reported persistent fatigue.
- The drug was withdrawn from the market after clinical trials revealed it could cause severe hepatic toxicity in a small percentage of the population.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.