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Synonyms

caries

American  
[kair-eez, -ee-eez] / ˈkɛər iz, -iˌiz /

noun

  1. decay, as of bone or of plant tissue.

  2. dental caries.


caries British  
/ ˈkɛəriːz /

noun

  1. progressive decay of a bone or a tooth

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

caries Scientific  
/ kârēz /
  1. Decay of a bone or tooth. Dental plaque formed by bacteria initiates a progressive process of decay that, if left unchecked, leads to tooth loss.


Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

Etymology

Origin of caries

First recorded in 1625–35, caries is from the Latin word cariēs decay

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Different antimicrobial mouthwashes, whether available over-the-counter or on prescription, can be used in the management of gingivitis, dental caries, periodontal diseases, halitosis, etc."

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2025

Among the caries-related parameters, root canal fillings were associated with 47, inadequate root canal fillings with 27, and caries lesions with 8 metabolic measures.

From Science Daily • Nov. 16, 2023

The capsule caries a precious cargo - a handful of dust grabbed from asteroid Bennu, a mountain-sized space rock that promises to inform the most profound of questions: Where do we come from?

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2023

Cavities, or caries, are the most common chronic disease in kids – five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than environmental allergies, despite being preventable.

From Salon • Oct. 16, 2022

Among the other effects of dental caries may be mentioned localised necrosis of the alveolar margin, cellulitis of the neck, and enlargement of the cervical lymph glands.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander

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