noun

1. the largest glandular organ in vertebrate animals, located in the upper or anterior part of the abdomen: it secretes bile, has an important function in the storage and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and helps detoxify many poisonous substances that may be ingested
2. loosely a similar organ or tissue in invertebrate animals
3. the liver of cattle, fowl, etc., used as food
4. the reddish-brown color of liver
5. Archaic the liver thought of as the seat of emotion or desire

Etymology: ME livere < OE lifer, akin to Ger leber < ? IE base *leip-, to smear with fat > Gr liparos, fat

noun