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.
The brand celebrated that fan feedback with a post on Instagram, sharing a handwritten letter from a young fan who has celiac disease. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026 The Blue Bloods actress was diagnosed with celiac disease around 15 years ago. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 Those with diseases that affect nutrient absorption, such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease, often require nutritional supplements to maintain optimal levels of certain vitamins and minerals. Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 12 Aug. 2026 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Celiac disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celiac%20disease. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster