dyspepsia

noun

dys·​pep·​sia dis-ˈpep-shə 

-sē-ə

1

: indigestion

2

: ill humor : disgruntlement

dyspeptic

dis-ˈpep-tik 

adjective or noun

dyspeptically

dis-ˈpep-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

When people get indigestion, they are often affected by nausea, heartburn, and gas-things that can cause the world's greatest gastronome to curse the world's most delectable dishes. So, it is no wonder that dyspepsia, a word for indigestion, has also come to mean "ill humor" or "disgruntlement." The word itself is ultimately derived from the Greek prefix dys- ("faulty" or "impaired") and the verb pessein ("to cook" or "to digest"). To please the wordmonger's appetite, we would like to end with this tasty morsel: Dyspepsia has an opposite, eupepsia-a rarely used word meaning "good digestion."

Examples of dyspepsia in a Sentence

He is suffering from dyspepsia.

Recent Examples on the Web

These effects can help relieve symptoms such as distention, bloating, pain, and nausea, which are often associated with slow gastric emptying and a condition known as functional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion). —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 16 Sep. 2024

One study found that ginger supplements can improve symptoms of functional dyspepsia, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic indigestion.6 Relieves Nausea Ginger may help relieve nausea. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024

Gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia are both under the umbrella term of motility disorders, and bloating may occur in these disorders.6 Functional dyspepsia may be diagnosed when symptoms affect the upper digestive system, but no obvious cause is found. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024

The result is a condition like irritable bowel syndrome or functional dyspepsia (a.k.a. indigestion), both of which can involve unpredictable spasms of your intestines, generating gas, bloating, and yes, airier poops, Dr. Schnoll-Sussbaum says. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 29 July 2024

Risks Adverse effects may include heartburn, dyspepsia (indigestion), abdominal pain, belching, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 5 July 2024

Can Support Digestion Research has shown that seltzer water might treat constipation and dyspepsia (indigestion). —Alison Mango, Health, 1 June 2024

According to Matt Tompson, MD, a gastroenterologist with Houston Methodist, these are better for people with chronic acid reflux or chronic dyspepsia. —Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 28 July 2022

These included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia (pain or heaviness in the stomach), and bloating. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek dyspepsía, from dys- dys- + pépsis "cooking, ripening, digestion" (from pep-, base of péttein, péssein, péptein "to cook, ripen, digest" + -sis -sis) + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at cook entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

dyspepsia

noun

dys·​pep·​sia dis-ˈpep-shə 

-sē-ə

: indigestion

Medical Definition

dyspepsia

noun

dys·​pep·​sia dis-ˈpep-shə  -sē-ə 

: indigestion

Dyspepsia occasionally resolves itself without any need for medical intervention.

—Patricia Hittner, Better Homes and Gardens