celiac

1 of 2

adjective

ce·​li·​ac ˈsē-lē-ˌak 

variants or chiefly British coeliac

1

: of or relating to the abdominal cavity

2

: relating to or used for celiac disease

a celiac diet

celiac

2 of 2

noun

variants or chiefly British coeliac

plural celiacs

: a person affected with celiac disease

Many celiacs bounce from doctor to doctor for help with symptoms that stubbornly defy treatment.

—David P. Hamilton

Examples of celiac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Chatham shop is now a destination for imaginative ice cream sandwiches, several of which are gluten-free and produced with strict celiac-level precautions. — Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

People with celiac disease must avoid gluten, and those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may limit or avoid it. — Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2026

Noun

Gluten-free cones are available, and conscientious staff always wash their hands and change gloves for celiacs. — Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

The oats in this product are not certified gluten-free and might not be suitable for people with celiac. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin coeliacus, from Greek koiliakos, from koilia cavity, from koilos hollow — more at cave

First Known Use

Adjective

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1976, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing celiac

• celiac disease

Rhymes for celiac

• coeliac

Medical Definition

celiac

1 of 2 adjective

ce·​li·​ac

variants or chiefly British coeliac

ˈsē-lē-ˌak 

1

: of or relating to the abdominal cavity

2

: belonging to or prescribed for celiac disease

the celiac syndrome

a celiac diet

celiac

2 of 2 noun

variants or chiefly British coeliac

: a celiac part (as a nerve)