reflux

/ˈriːflʌks/
noun
  1. A condition in which stomach acid flows backward into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, causing heartburn or discomfort.
    • She takes medicine every day to control her acid reflux.
    • The doctor diagnosed him with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
    • Eating spicy food often triggers my reflux at night.
  2. The process of flowing back or returning, especially of a liquid or gas.
    • The reflux of steam in the system can damage the equipment if not controlled.
    • The reflux of water in the pipe caused a strange gurgling sound.
    • In chemistry class, we used a reflux apparatus to boil the mixture without losing liquid.
verb
  1. To flow back or return, especially of a liquid or gas.
    • The acid refluxed into his throat, causing a burning sensation.
    • During the experiment, the liquid refluxed through the condenser.
    • If the valve fails, the gas may reflux into the chamber.
  2. To heat a liquid in a container so that it boils and the vapor condenses and flows back, used in chemistry.
    • We refluxed the solution for two hours to complete the reaction.
    • You should reflux the solvent gently to avoid losing any material.
    • The lab technician refluxed the mixture to purify the compound.