acid reflux

noun

: backward flow of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus that is due to malfunctioning of a sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus and that results especially in heartburn : gastroesophageal reflux
a medication for acid reflux
Acid reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. The feeling of acid reflux is heartburn: a mild burning sensation in the mid-chest …The Tennessee Tribune
Acid reflux occurs when the valve between your esophagus and stomach doesn't close properly, allowing stomach acid to wash back up through your esophagus …Miriam Jones Bradley

Examples of acid reflux 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.
Eating Heavy Meals Before Bedtime Eating heavy, greasy, or spicy meals before bed can cause acid reflux, bloating, and fluctuations in body sugar, all of which can impact the quality of your sleep. Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025 Lying down shortly after eating may cause acid to move up into the esophagus, leading to discomfort and irritation (acid reflux). Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025 Studies show that angling yourself upright during sleep can help combat a number of related issues—including sleep apnea, acid reflux, lower back pain, and snoring. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2025 An increase in stomach acid can cause mild discomfort in the stomach and throat area due to acid reflux and heartburn, both of which will disrupt your sleep and cause restlessness, experts say. Khloe Quill, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acid reflux

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acid reflux was in 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Acid reflux.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acid%20reflux. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

acid reflux

noun
: backward flow of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus that is due to malfunctioning of a sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus and that results especially in heartburn : gastroesophageal reflux
… people who report experiencing at least weekly symptoms of acid reflux have substantially higher risks of BE [=Barrett's esophagus] than those with less frequent episodes. Moreover, we found that symptoms of acid reflux experienced at older ages conferred substantially higher risks of BE than symptoms at younger ages …Kylie J. Smith et al., Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention
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