heartburn

noun

heart·​burn ˈhärt-ˌbərn 

plural heartburns

: a burning discomfort behind the lower part of the sternum due especially to the backward flow of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus

In any given month, about one-quarter of Americans suffer from heartburn, which is caused by reflux, or backward flow, of stomach acid into the esophagus.

—Clyde M. Burnham

Heartburn—painful reflux of stomach acid—can occur in a person with a perfectly intact esophagus.

—Paul G. Donohue

see acid reflux

Examples of heartburn in a Sentence

I like spicy food, but it gives me heartburn.

Recent Examples on the Web

Gum Chewing gum in moderation can ease symptoms of heartburn. —Elizabeth Pratt, Health, 31 Oct. 2023

It is shown to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce the risk of heartburn, heart attack, stroke, and other heart problems. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2023

In contrast, a hiatal hernia may cause heartburn, indigestion, regurgitation, and upper abdominal or chest pains. —Amanda Gardner, Health, 29 Oct. 2023

Furthermore, people who have been on PPIs for a prolonged period and suddenly stopping use can result in a rebound of acid hypersecretion and worsening heartburn or GERD symptoms, Rich added. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2023

The most common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease are burning stomach pain, heartburn, nausea and bloating or belching, according to Mayo Clinic. —Jonel Aleccia, USA TODAY, 9 Sep. 2023

In addition to its usefulness against heartburn, Alka-Seltzer is also marketed to provide relief for a number of other conditions and ailments. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 3 Sep. 2023

But too much acid can cause diarrhea, reflux or heartburn, Volpe said, which is why coffee may exacerbate those symptoms for some people with IBS. —Andrea Michelson, Verywell Health, 17 July 2023

Similarly, if their cough gets worse after eating and comes with heartburn, the diagnosis might be GERD. —Nicole Harris, Parents, 29 Sep. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

heartburn

noun

heart·​burn -ˌbərn 

: a burning discomfort seeming to occur in the area of the heart and usually due to spasms which pass acid from the stomach into the esophagus

Medical Definition

heartburn

noun

heart·​burn -ˌbərn 

: a burning discomfort behind the lower part of the sternum due especially to the backward flow of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus

called also cardialgia, pyrosis

see acid reflux compare water brash