Hepatitis

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hepatitis

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

hep-uh-TY-tis  /ˌhɛpəˈtaɪtɪs/

Definition

Inflammation of the liver, typically caused by a viral infection but also by alcohol, toxins, or autoimmune conditions; the major viral forms (A, B, C, D, and E) are distinct diseases with different transmission routes, severity, and outcomes.

Plain meaning

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. The most common cause is viral infection — hepatitis A, B, and C are the most significant. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic and lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis A is typically acute and self-limiting.

Register

Medical and neutral. Hepatitis is standard medical terminology used in clinical, public health, and journalism contexts. The word is widely understood and is not particularly technical for general audiences.