caries

[ kair-eez, -ee-eez ]

noun

, plural car·ies.

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

/ kâr′ēz /

, 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."

From Salon

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

From BBC

Of the adults' teeth, 13% were affected by caries -- often at the roots.

From Science Daily

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."

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily

Related Words

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