reflux

1 of 2

noun

re·​flux ˈrē-ˌfləks How to pronounce reflux (audio)
1
a
: a flowing back
2
: a process of refluxing or condition of being refluxed

reflux

2 of 2

verb

re·​flux ri-ˈfləks How to pronounce reflux (audio)
ˈrē-ˌfləks
refluxed; refluxing; refluxes

transitive verb

: to cause to flow back or return
especially : to heat such that the vapors formed condense and return to be heated again

intransitive verb

: to flow back

Examples of reflux in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Yes Best for Reflux: Nuk Smooth Flow Pro Anti-Colic Baby Bottle Acid reflux or spitting up after eating is fairly normal for babies and usually resolves around 12 to 18 months of age. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 19 Feb. 2024 And medications such as proton pump inhibitors used for reflux, diuretics, statins, insulin and corticosteroids impair absorption. Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 The link between acid reflux and anxiety Previous studies have shown that levels of depression and anxiety tend to be higher in people with gastrointestinal reflux, or GERD. Alexa Lee, STAT, 12 Dec. 2023 This can lead to the following: Lower-than-normal blood pressure Dizziness Heartburn or reflux Belching Nausea or vomiting Gas Constipation Progesterone can also increase hair growth. Lambeth Hochwald, Parents, 7 Jan. 2024 During the procedure, the junction between the stomach and esophagus is tightened to prevent reflux. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 16 Nov. 2023 The diet and lifestyle changes Dr. Narula recommended included ways to manage reflux around rich holiday meals. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 8 Nov. 2023 If someone does end up overeating, people can reach for over-the-counter antacids to help with bloating or reflux, Kim recommended. Julia Landwehr, Health, 23 Nov. 2023 The spirit still has a reflux bowl, increasing the reflux during distillation. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023
Verb
On recalling Zantac What to do for the fizzle and roil When refluxing guts sour and spoil? Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 31 Dec. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reflux.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin refluxus, from Latin re- + fluxus flow — more at flux

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1926, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of reflux was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near reflux

Cite this Entry

“Reflux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflux. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reflux

noun
re·​flux
ˈrē-ˌfləks
: a flowing back : ebb

Medical Definition

reflux

1 of 3 noun
re·​flux ˈrē-ˌfləks How to pronounce reflux (audio)
1
a
: a flowing back : regurgitation
reflux of gastric acid
mitral valve reflux
2
: a process of refluxing or condition of being refluxed
the sample was hydrolyzed … under reflux for 24 hoursT. Y. Ho et al.

reflux

2 of 3 adjective
: of, relating to, involving, or caused by reflux
reflux esophagitis

reflux

3 of 3 transitive verb
: to cause to flow back or return
especially : to heat (as under a reflux condenser) so that the vapors formed condense to a liquid that flows back to be heated again

intransitive verb

: to flow back
damage to the esophageal mucous membrane when gastric acid refluxed into the esophagus

More from Merriam-Webster on reflux

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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