caries

[kair-eez, -ee-eez]

noun

plural

caries 

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

2. dental caries.

caries

/ ˈkɛəriːz /

noun

1. progressive decay of a bone or a tooth

caries

plural

caries 

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of caries¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of caries¹

C17: from Latin: decay; related to Greek kēr death

Example Sentences

"With the advent of fluoridated toothpaste, other countries without fluoride in the drinking water have similar caries occurrence as the US."

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Dr Christmas remembers incidents of misogyny where she felt she could not speak up and still "caries the guilt of that".

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Widespread caries and toothache -- but also some dental work and filing of front teeth.

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The authors add: "In a Swedish Viking population, around half of the individuals suffered from dental caries. The Vikings performed both tooth filing, tooth picking, and other dental treatment, including attempts to treat dental infections."

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Caries-related parameters included root canal fillings, apical rarefactions and caries lesions.

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Related Words

• blight 
• corrosion 
• decomposition 
• degeneration 
• deterioration 
• disintegration 
• disrepair 
• extinction 
• impairment 
• rot