caries
8.1
A hole or soft spot on a tooth caused by bacteria
- noun
- /ˈkɛəriːz/
- Specialized
:
caries
- Children are often more susceptible to caries if they consume too many sugary snacks.
Examples
-
Poor oral hygiene can lead to caries, which cause painful tooth decay.
-
Dental amalgam fillings and the amount of organic mercury in human saliva. Caries Res 2001; 35: 163-65.
Academic text (2002) -
Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent caries and maintain dental health.
Synonyms
cavity
vscaries
29
3.4
A hole in a tooth caused by decay
describes the decay process and scope rather than the resulting hole
5
2.2
Damage to a tooth's hard surface caused by bacteria that often makes a hole
emphasizes softening and broader decay in bone or tooth rather than surface damage
1
4.1
Tooth decay caused by germs that makes a tooth soft and damaged
covers decay of bone or tooth rather than only tooth damage
Antonyms
Compounds
Tilletia caries
- Specialized
9.9
A fungus that infects wheat and turns grains into black, smelly masses
Surface Forms
Etymology
Caries comes from the Latin word caries, which meant 'rottenness' or 'decay'. That's why caries refers to a rotten part of a tooth — in other words, tooth 'decay'.