/al"keuh haw liz'euhm, -ho-/ , n. Pathol.
a chronic disorder characterized by dependence on alcohol, repeated excessive use of alcoholic beverages, the development of withdrawal symptoms on reducing or ceasing intake, morbidity that may include cirrhosis of the liver, and decreased ability to function socially and vocationally. Cf. alcoholic psychosis .
[ 1855-60; ALCOHOL + -ISM ]