celiac disease

noun

: a chronic hereditary intestinal disorder in which an inability to absorb the gliadin portion of gluten results in the gliadin triggering an immune response that damages the intestinal mucosa

called also celiac sprue

Examples of celiac disease 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.
For instance, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid traditional English muffins, unless they're specifically labeled gluten-free, since they're typically made with wheat flour. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 Boissoneault has psoriatic arthritis, celiac disease, endometriosis, Graves’ disease, and Hashimoto’s disease. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 30 July 2026 But there are properties around the world that go above and beyond to host guests with celiac disease and other gluten sensitivities. — Elliott Harrell, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2026 Some people, such as those with digestive disorders like celiac disease and ulcerative colitis, may be at risk. — Maggie O'Neill, Health, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for celiac disease

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of celiac disease was in 1911

Rhymes for celiac disease

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Browse Nearby Words

celiac
celiac disease
celibacy
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Cite this Entry

“Celiac disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celiac%20disease. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

celiac disease

noun
: a chronic hereditary intestinal disorder in which an inability to absorb the gliadin portion of gluten results in the gliadin triggering an immune response that damages the intestinal mucosa

called also celiac sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, nontropical sprue, sprue

More from Merriam-Webster on celiac disease

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about celiac disease

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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