# liver

/ˈɫɪvɝ/ (US) · /lˈɪvɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/liver
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. body organ

noun · CEFR B1

a large organ in your body that cleans your blood and helps you digest food.

For teachers: a large glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates, involved in many metabolic processes and the secretion of bile.

- Drinking too much alcohol over many years can damage your liver.
- The surgeon noted that the patient's liver appeared healthy and was functioning normally despite the previous infection.

### 2. food

noun · CEFR B1

the liver of an animal, like a cow or chicken, eaten as food.

For teachers: the organ of an animal used as a culinary ingredient, often valued for its high iron and vitamin content.

- She cooked liver and onions for dinner because it is full of iron.
- The chef prepared a delicate calf's liver, pan-seared and served with a reduction of balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs.

### 3. someone who lives

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a person who lives their life in a particular way.

For teachers: an agent noun referring to a person who lives or conducts their life in a specified manner.

- He was known as a high liver who spent all his money on parties.
- In the Victorian novel, the protagonist is described as a clean liver who avoided the temptations of the city.

### 4. colour

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

having a dark reddish-brown colour.

For teachers: of a dark brown colour with a slight reddish or greyish tint, resembling the organ.

- The dog had a beautiful liver-coloured coat that shone in the sun.
- The breed standard specifies that the spaniel must have liver markings rather than black ones.

## Examples

- The doctor says his liver is healthy.
- Heavy alcohol consumption over many years can cause permanent damage to the liver and other vital organs.
- The liver plays a central role in metabolism, acting as a chemical processing plant that converts nutrients from our diet into substances the body can use.

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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.