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celiac disease

American  
[see-lee-ak di-zeez] / ˈsi liˌæk dɪˌziz /
especially British, coeliac disease

noun

Pathology.
  1. a hereditary digestive disorder in which eating gluten causes an autoimmune response within the small intestine, damaging the organ and leading to symptoms such as stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, fatty stools, and malnutrition.


celiac disease Scientific  
/ sēlē-ăk′ /
  1. A gastrointestinal disease characterized by an inability to absorb the protein gluten, resulting in diarrhea, the passage of stools having a high fat content, and nutritional and vitamin deficiencies. Individuals with celiac disease must avoid ingesting products made from grains containing gluten, including wheat, rye, barley, and oats.


Etymology

Origin of celiac disease

First recorded in 1935–40

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.

Fry, who has celiac disease, says she found limited options of things to eat while she waited.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

"My wife and one of my five children have celiac disease," said Rami Taha who lives in central Gaza.

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2025

However, since gluten is consumed daily, what molecular triggers lead to the leaky gut in celiac disease patients?

From Science Daily • May 16, 2024

Symptoms of celiac disease include digestive problems such as diarrhea, cramps, gas or floating poop.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2024

She added that she knows Disney’s Disability Access Service “inside and out” and works with clients who have mobility impairments, autism spectrum disorders, celiac disease and other issues.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2024