gastroesophageal reflux disease

noun

: a chronic condition that is characterized by frequent episodes of acid reflux usually accompanied by heartburn and often by irritation or inflammation of the esophageal epithelium : gerd

Heartburn two or more times weekly may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease … . See a doctor if you have heartburn too often.

—Fred Cicetti

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a common condition that affects millions of Americans. … If … not treated appropriately, it can lead to other problems like inflammation or ulcerations of the esophagus. It could even progress to cancer of the esophagus if left untreated.

—Philip Moyer

… gastroesophageal reflux disease … was coined to describe any symptomatic condition or histopathologic alteration resulting from episodes of gastroesophageal reflux.

—Peter J. Kahrilas

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

gastroesophageal reflux disease

noun

: a chronic condition that is characterized by frequent episodes of acid reflux usually accompanied by heartburn and often by irritation or inflammation of the esophageal epithelium and that when untreated may sometimes progress to difficulty in swallowing, esophageal strictures or ulcers, Barrett's esophagus, or adenocarcinoma : gerd