Liver

n. [A-S. lifer, Icel. lifur, Sw. lefver, Dan. & D. lever, O. H. Ger. lebara, M. H. Ger. lebere, N. H. Ger. leber.] (Anat.) The largest gland of the body, reddish in color, rounded on its upper surface, flattened on the lower, and situated immediately beneath the diaphragm, mainly on the right side. That portion of food which is absorbed by the veins, passes through it, and undergoes important changes during the passage: from the venous blood which passes through it, the bile is secreted. The liver produces from the blood an animal starch, which is readily converted into sugar.

Liver of sulphur (Chem.), fused sulphuret of potassium;—so called from its color, which resembles that of liver.—Liver spots, a disease of the skin, characterized by yellowish-brown patches or spots;—popularly so called.

n. (Ornith.) A bird (Ibis falcinellus), found all over the eastern continent, and said to have given its name to the city of Liverpool. Yarrell.