acid reflux

noun

: backward flow of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus that is due to malfunctioning of a sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus and that results especially in heartburn : gastroesophageal reflux
a medication for acid reflux
Acid reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. The feeling of acid reflux is heartburn: a mild burning sensation in the mid-chest …The Tennessee Tribune
Acid reflux occurs when the valve between your esophagus and stomach doesn't close properly, allowing stomach acid to wash back up through your esophagus …Miriam Jones Bradley

Examples of acid reflux in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Treats Heartburn Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, which occurs when acidic stomach contents flow back into the food pipe (esophagus). Lindsey Desoto, Health, 27 Nov. 2024 Cranberry juice may also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners or medications for acid reflux or ulcers. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 15 Apr. 2024 People who have acid reflux or are pregnant may benefit from sleeping on their left side, while people who have cardiac issues may prefer to sleep on their right. Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 9 Nov. 2024 Overall, whether they were hospitalized or not, adults who have had COVID-19 are about 36% more likely than uninfected people to develop gastrointestinal disorders including ulcers, pancreatitis, IBS, and acid reflux, according to a 2023 study published in Nature Communications. Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acid reflux 

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acid reflux was in 1960

Dictionary Entries Near acid reflux

Cite this Entry

“Acid reflux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acid%20reflux. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

acid reflux

noun
: backward flow of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus that is due to malfunctioning of a sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus and that results especially in heartburn : gastroesophageal reflux
… people who report experiencing at least weekly symptoms of acid reflux have substantially higher risks of BE [=Barrett's esophagus] than those with less frequent episodes. Moreover, we found that symptoms of acid reflux experienced at older ages conferred substantially higher risks of BE than symptoms at younger ages …Kylie J. Smith et al., Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!