reflux

1 of 2

noun

re·​flux ˈrē-ˌfləks 

1

a

: a flowing back

b

: gastroesophageal reflux

2

: a process of refluxing or condition of being refluxed

reflux

2 of 2

verb

re·​flux ri-ˈfləks 

ˈrē-ˌfləks

refluxed; refluxing; refluxes

transitive verb

: to cause to flow back or return

especially : to heat such that the vapors formed condense and return to be heated again

intransitive verb

: to flow back

Examples of reflux in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While some studies show positive effects, more research is needed to determine if probiotics have a place in helping people with reflux. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 27 Oct. 2025

The oncologist noted that most women with ovarian cancer get diagnosed too late because their abdominal symptoms often get misdiagnosed as reflux, indigestion or a urinary tract infection. —Karu F Daniels, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025

Verb

On recalling Zantac What to do for the fizzle and roil When refluxing guts sour and spoil? —Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 31 Dec. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin refluxus, from Latin re- + fluxus flow — more at flux

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1926, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing reflux

• acid reflux
• gastroesophageal reflux
• gastroesophageal reflux disease

Kids Definition

reflux

noun

re·​flux

ˈrē-ˌfləks

: a flowing back : ebb

Medical Definition

reflux

1 of 3 noun

re·​flux ˈrē-ˌfləks 

1

a

: a flowing back : regurgitation

reflux of gastric acid

mitral valve reflux

b

: gastroesophageal reflux

2

: a process of refluxing or condition of being refluxed

the sample was hydrolyzed … under reflux for 24 hours

—T. Y. Ho et al.

reflux

2 of 3 adjective

: of, relating to, involving, or caused by reflux

reflux esophagitis

reflux

3 of 3 transitive verb

: to cause to flow back or return

especially : to heat (as under a reflux condenser) so that the vapors formed condense to a liquid that flows back to be heated again

intransitive verb

: to flow back

damage to the esophageal mucous membrane when gastric acid refluxed into the esophagus