hepatitis
UK: ˌhɛpəˈtaɪtɪs | US: ˌhɛpəˈtaɪtɪs
n. Inflammation of the liver, typically caused by viral infection, toxins, or autoimmune disease.
The word hepatitis combines the Greek root hepat- (from hēpar, meaning "liver") with the suffix -itis (denoting inflammation). This medical term follows a classical pattern where Greek or Latin roots are paired with suffixes to describe diseases. The logic is straightforward: hepat- identifies the organ affected, while -itis specifies the condition (inflammation). Over time, this structure became standard in medical terminology, ensuring clarity and precision.
Chronic hepatitis can lead to liver cirrhosis if untreated.
The patient was diagnosed with viral hepatitis after blood tests.
Vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis A and B.
Hepatitis C is often asymptomatic in its early stages.
Public health campaigns aim to reduce hepatitis transmission through education.