dysphagia

[ dis-fey-juh, -jee-uh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. difficulty in swallowing.

dysphagia

/ dɪsˈfeɪdʒɪə; dɪsˈfædʒɪk /

noun

1. difficulty in swallowing, caused by obstruction or spasm of the oesophagus

dysphagia

/ dĭs-fā′jə /

1. Difficulty in swallowing.

Derived Forms

• dysphagic, adjective

Other Words From

• dys·phag·ic [dis-, faj, -ik, -, fey, -jik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysphagia¹

First recorded in 1775–85; from New Latin, from Greek dys- dys- + phag(eîn) “to eat, devour” + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysphagia¹

C18: New Latin, from dys- + Greek -phagos; see phago-

Example Sentences

Catherine would also undergo dysphagia therapy: exercises to help her eat and drink on her own.

From Seattle Times

He had severe acid reflux and a swallowing condition called dysphagia that caused milk to go down his windpipe instead of his esophagus, making him choke.

From Washington Times

Zahir has health problems, including dysphagia and epilepsy, and needs a lot of help.

From New York Times

Her son Jack has cerebral palsy, and condition dysphagia, which causes him to choke on his own saliva.

From BBC

Confabulation, ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, hemiparesis: the mesmerizing names of neurological conditions mask cruelties.

From Nature