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.

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celiac disease Scientific  

/ sē′lē-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.

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Etymology

Origin of celiac disease

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

celiac disease

When Julia was diagnosed in childhood with celiac disease, Mommy continued loading her up on gluten with grievous consequences.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

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

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2025

I have celiac disease, and I’ve had it since before being gluten-free was trendy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2025

In this view, gluten directly damages the cells of the intestinal lining, making thempermeable, which triggers chronic inflammation and potentially leads to celiac disease in predisposed people.

From Science Daily ● May 16, 2024

Other problems common with celiac disease are anemia, fatigue, osteoporosis, joint pain, headaches and nerve pain.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 17, 2024