Barrett's esophagus

noun

Bar·​rett's esophagus ˈbar-its-, ˈber- 

variants also Barrett's epithelium

: metaplasia of the lower esophagus that is characterized by replacement of squamous epithelium with columnar epithelium, occurs especially as a result of chronic gastroesophageal reflux, and is associated with an increased risk for esophageal carcinoma

As many as 12% of the estimated 15 million GERD sufferers will develop Barrett's esophagus, and from 5% to 10% of those will go on to develop cancer.

—Tara Parker-Pope, The Wall Street Journal