achlorhydria
Very Low (Technical/Specialist)Formal, Technical, Medical
Definition
Meaning
A medical condition characterized by the absence of hydrochloric acid in the gastric secretions.
A pathological state where the stomach fails to produce gastric acid, which can lead to impaired digestion and nutrient absorption. In broader medical discourse, it can signify a significant functional impairment of the gastric mucosa.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically denotes a complete absence of acid, differentiating it from hypochlorhydria (low acid). Often associated with pernicious anaemia, atrophic gastritis, or certain autoimmune conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Purely clinical and pathological in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of medical literature, gastroenterology, and endocrinology. Slightly more frequent in historical medical texts discussing pernicious anaemia.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The patient developed achlorhydria.Achlorhydria is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.The test confirmed the presence of achlorhydria.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Academic
Frequent in medical and biochemical research papers, clinical studies, and textbooks on gastroenterology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in clinical diagnostics, gastroenterology reports, and discussions of digestive pathophysiology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The achlorhydric state was confirmed by intubation.
- Patients with achlorhydric gastritis require monitoring.
American English
- An achlorhydric response to pentagastrin is diagnostic.
- The achlorhydric patient was placed on supplementation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Chronic gastritis can sometimes lead to achlorhydria.
- The doctor explained that achlorhydria might cause difficulty digesting meat.
- The definitive diagnosis of pernicious anaemia often includes the demonstration of concomitant achlorhydria.
- Research indicates that long-term proton pump inhibitor use is a rare iatrogenic cause of achlorhydria.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A-' (without) + 'chlor-' (relating to chlorine/acid) + '-hydria' (referring to a watery fluid). So, 'without acid in the gastric fluid'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STOMACH IS A CHEMICAL FACTORY (when it fails to produce a key ingredient).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation might lead to 'ахлоргидрия', which is the correct medical term. Beware of confusing with 'гипохлоргидрия' (hypochlorhydria).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'achlorhydia' or 'achlorhydrea'.
- Using it interchangeably with 'indigestion' or general low acidity.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the second syllable (/əˈklɔːrhaɪdriə/).
Practice
Quiz
Achlorhydria is most directly associated with which of the following conditions?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, achlorhydria specifically means a complete absence of stomach acid. Low stomach acid is termed hypochlorhydria.
While the underlying gastric damage may not always be reversible, the consequences (like B12 deficiency) are managed with lifelong supplementation and dietary adjustments. Acid replacement therapy is sometimes used.
Typically via a gastric acid secretion test (like the Heidelberg test or intubation with pentagastrin stimulation) where a pH probe shows persistently high pH (low acidity) in the stomach despite stimulation.
No, it is a relatively uncommon condition. It is more frequently seen in specific populations, such as older adults with autoimmune atrophic gastritis or long-standing H. pylori infection.