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.
May Improve Digestive Health Minimal evidence exists to support ACV’s use to reduce acid reflux symptoms. Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025 Bannon, who owns a marketing company, then began experiencing excruciating stomach pains and lost 14 pounds in just a month, which doctors blamed on acid reflux. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025 What to know to recognize the symptoms How to get rid of acid reflux In most cases, acid reflux can actually be eradicated for good. Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 Fripp initially believed his symptoms were related to acid reflux. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 13 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Acid reflux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acid%20reflux. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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
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