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.
So can acid reflux or eating things that are particularly hot or spicy. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 Acid Reflux Alongside dry mouth, acid reflux is a common Ozempic side effect that can indirectly damage your teeth, said Garcia-Webb. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025 Eating before bed can disrupt sleep, cause weight gain, lead to acid reflux, and tooth erosion, according to Dr. Sachar. Sherri Gordon, Health, 21 May 2025 This customizable frame would work great for those with mobility issues or health issues like acid reflux, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, or sciatica (among other things). Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 15 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acid reflux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acid%20reflux. Accessed 14 Jul. 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
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!