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.
These include celiac disease, pelvic floor dysfunction, irritable bowel syndrome, hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism, metabolic disorders like diabetes, neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or even certain cancers. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025 Not for people with celiac disease, but some folks with gluten sensitivity are able to enjoy sprouted whole wheat breads. Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the omission could be dangerous for individuals with wheat sensitivities or celiac disease, who may experience reactions ranging from mild digestive issues to more serious health complications. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025 Follow a Gluten-Free Diet People with celiac disease have to eliminate gluten from their diet to prevent damage to the digestive system. Merve Ceylan, Health, 27 Aug. 2025 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 10 Sep. 2025.

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

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!