Final answer:
A degenerative liver condition is referred to as cirrhosis, which involves the replacement of dead liver cells with fibrous tissue, leading to a loss of liver function.
Step-by-step explanation:
A degenerative liver condition may be referred to as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the formation of fibrous tissue in the liver, which replaces dead liver cells. The death of these cells can be a result of several factors, including viral hepatitis, alcoholism, or exposure to other liver-toxic chemicals. As cirrhosis progresses, it leads to a loss of liver function, which can develop into chronic liver failure. This condition is distinguished from other liver ailments such as hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver usually caused by a virus, and conditions like pancreatitis and gastritis, which affect the pancreas and the stomach lining, respectively.