: the opening of the esophagus into the stomach
also : the part of the stomach adjoining this opening

-cardia

2 of 2

noun combining form

: heart action or location (of a specified type)
tachycardia

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin, from Greek kardia heart, upper orifice of the stomach

Noun combining form

New Latin, from Greek kardia

First Known Use

Noun

1632, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cardia was in 1632

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Cite this Entry

“Cardia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cardia. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

1
: the opening of the esophagus into the stomach
2
: the part of the stomach adjoining the cardia

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