adjective
peptic
PEP-tik/pˈɛptɪk/
Relating to digestion, especially in the stomach.
The stomach uses peptic enzymes to help break down proteins.
Etymology
Greek peptein meant 'to cook,' while the related peptos meant 'cooked' or 'digested.' This connection between cooking and digestion underlies peptikos, 'able to digest,' and the English medical sense.
In context
Peptic ulcers are erosions in the mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum, resulting from an imbalance between aggressive factors like acid and pepsin, and protective mechanisms like mucus and bicarbonate.
More examples
- A peptic ulcer can cause burning pain in the upper abdomen.
- Students learn how stomach acid supports peptic digestion.
- The medication reduces stomach acid to help a peptic ulcer heal.