hepatic

[ hi-pat-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the liver.
2. acting on the liver, as a medicine.
3. liver-colored; dark reddish-brown.
4. Botany. belonging or pertaining to the liverworts.

noun

1. a medicine acting on the liver.
2. a liverwort.

hepatic

/ hɪˈpætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the liver
2. botany of or relating to the liverworts
3. having the colour of liver

noun

1. obsolete.
   any of various drugs for use in treating diseases of the liver
2. See liverwort
   a less common name for a liverwort

hepatic

/ hĭ-păt′ĭk /

1. Relating to or involving the liver.

Other Words From

• nonhe·patic adjective noun
• posthe·patic adjective
• subhe·patic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hepatic¹

1350–1400; Middle English epatik ≪ Latin hēpaticus < Greek hēpatikós. See hepato-, -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of hepatic¹

C15: from Latin hēpaticus, from Greek hēpar liver

Example Sentences

It is the hepatic aloes of most continental writers, and said to be the of Dioscorides.

From Project Gutenberg

It is weaker than Barbadoes or even hepatic aloes, and is more apt to gripe, &c., than the latter.

From Project Gutenberg

It is obtained from the same plant as produces genuine hepatic aloes.

From Project Gutenberg

When melted and doctored, it is sold for Barbadoes, hepatic, and even Socotrine aloes.

From Project Gutenberg

It was formerly used in Europe in various complaints, especially chronic hepatic affections, but has fallen into entire neglect.

From Project Gutenberg