Causes. Acute liver failure is most often caused by infectious agents or toxins, poor flow of fluids into the liver and surrounding tissues (perfusion), hypoxia (inability to breathe), drugs or chemicals that are destructive to the liver (hepatotoxic), and excess exposure to heat.
Definition of operate for English Language Learners. : 1  to function or behave in a proper or particular way. : 2  to use and control (something) : 3  to have control of (something, such as a business, department, program, etc.)
Define operate: to perform a function : exert power or influence; to produce an appropriate effect â operate in a sentence to perform a function : exert power or influence; to produce an appropriate effect; to perform an operation or a series of operationsâ¦ See the full definition since 1828