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Heartburn: meaning, definitions and examples

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heartburn

 

[ ˈhɑːrtˌbɜrn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest, often accompanied by a sour taste in the throat or mouth. This discomfort is caused by acid reflux, which is when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Heartburn can occur after eating, particularly after consuming spicy or fatty foods. It may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While occasional heartburn is common, frequent episodes may require medical attention.

Synonyms

acid reflux, dyspepsia, pyrosis

Examples of usage

  • After the spicy dinner, I experienced severe heartburn.
  • She took antacids to relieve her heartburn.
  • Heartburn often worsens when lying down.
  • Avoiding trigger foods can help prevent heartburn.

Translations

Translations of the word "heartburn" in other languages:

🇵🇹 azia

🇮🇳 अम्लपित्त

🇩🇪 Sodbrennen

🇮🇩 nyeri lambung

🇺🇦 печія

🇵🇱 zgaga

🇯🇵 胸焼け

🇫🇷 brûlures d'estomac

🇪🇸 acidez

🇹🇷 mide yanması

🇰🇷 위산 역류

🇸🇦 حرقة المعدة

🇨🇿 pálení žáhy

🇸🇰 pálenie záhy

🇨🇳 胃灼热

🇸🇮 zgaga

🇮🇸 sýringskál

🇰🇿 жүрек күйдіру

🇬🇪 გულის წვა

🇦🇿 mədə yanması

🇲🇽 acidez estomacal

Etymology

The term 'heartburn' dates back to the early 19th century. It essentially describes the sensation of burning that is felt in the chest area, which is caused by the regurgitation of stomach acids. The etymology breaks down into the words 'heart' and 'burn': 'heart' represents the area where the pain is felt, while 'burn' describes the painful, burning sensation. Historically, there was confusion because the symptoms felt as if they were associated with the heart, even though they stem from the digestive system. This misunderstanding continued for centuries, with various terminologies used in different cultures to describe similar sensations. The medical understanding of heartburn has evolved significantly, leading to the recognition of its association with acid reflux and GERD.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,488, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.