heartburn

American  

[hahrt-burn] / ˈhɑrtˌbɜrn /

noun

1. an uneasy burning sensation in the stomach, typically extending toward the esophagus, and sometimes associated with the eructation of an acid fluid.

2. bitter jealousy; envy.

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heartburn British  

/ ˈhɑːtˌbɜːn /

noun

1. Technical names: cardialgia.   pyrosis.  a burning sensation beneath the breastbone caused by irritation of the oesophagus, as from regurgitation of the contents of the stomach

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heartburn Scientific  

/ härt′bûrn′ /

1. A burning sensation, usually centered in the middle of the chest near the sternum, caused by the reflux of acidic stomach fluids that enter the lower end of the esophagus.

2. Also called acid reflux

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heartburn Cultural  

1. A burning sensation in the middle of the chest at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, caused by stomach acids that back up and enter the lower end of the esophagus.

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Etymology

Origin of heartburn

First recorded in 1590–1600; translation of Greek kardialgía; heart + burn ¹

Explanation

Heartburn is an uncomfortable form of indigestion that feels like a burning in your chest. You might experience heartburn after eating twelve slices of pizza for dinner. People with a tendency to get heartburn often start to feel a painful sensation after they eat. Heartburn can begin as an acidic feeling in your stomach that moves up into your upper chest. It happens when gastric acid is regurgitated into the esophagus, and it can also be called "acid indigestion." The original, thirteenth century meaning of heartburn was "lust," but by the fifteenth century it had come to have today's meaning of "indigestion."

Example Sentences

British pharmaceutical group GSK reported Wednesday a sharp rise in annual net profit, boosted by strong sales of HIV, respiratory and cancer treatments as it recovered from costly US lawsuits over its Zantac heartburn treatment.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

While the towers and cables are still in good shape, fixing the deck has caused heartburn.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2024

Before Aidan’s diagnosis he had experienced several months of severe heartburn, but he did not get it checked out straight away.

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2024

People with acid reflux may experience heartburn and ulcers.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2024

The Obscure Object suffered from a more or less constant case of heartburn.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• indigestion