Crohn's disease

noun

ˈkrōnz- 

variants or less commonly Crohn disease

ˈkrōn- 

or Crohn's

: chronic inflammation that typically involves the lower portion of the ileum, often spreads to the colon, and is characterized by diarrhea, cramping, loss of appetite and weight, and the development of abscesses and scarring see inflammatory bowel disease

Examples of Crohn's disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Of course, most people already know that high blood pressure can head to heart disease or that Crohn's disease can lead to ulcers. —New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2025

In a 12-week study of people with mild to moderate Crohn's disease, those who took curcumin supplements (360 milligrams a day) saw improvements in their symptoms. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Sep. 2025

People with malabsorption disorders like cystic fibrosis (CF), celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and short bowel syndrome may need supplemental vitamin K.1 A vitamin K deficiency can occur from inadequate intake or poor absorption in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 29 Aug. 2025

Inflammatory bowel diseases include a group of chronic conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis that may include inflammation of the colon as one of their many symptoms. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 5 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Burrill B. Crohn †1983 American physician

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Crohn's disease

• abcs
• absentees
• addressees
• adoptees
• allottees
• amputees
• antifreeze
• appellees
• appointees
• arrestees
• artistes
• assamese

Medical Definition

Crohn's disease

noun

ˈkrōnz-

variants also Crohn disease

ˈkrōn- 

or Crohn's

: chronic ileitis that typically involves the distal portion of the ileum, often spreads to the colon, and is characterized by diarrhea, cramping, and loss of appetite and weight with local abscesses and scarring

called also regional enteritis, regional ileitis