from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Peptic \Pep"tic\ (p[e^]p"t[i^]k), a. [L. pepticus, Gr.
peptiko`s. See {Pepsin}.]
1. Relating to digestion; promoting digestion; digestive; as,
peptic sauces.
[1913 Webster]
2. Able to digest. [R.]
[1913 Webster]
Tolerably nutritive for a mind as yet so peptic.
--Carlyle.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Physiol. Chem.) Pertaining to pepsin; resembling pepsin
in its power of digesting or dissolving albuminous matter;
containing or yielding pepsin, or a body of like
properties; as, the peptic glands.
[1913 Webster]
{peptic ulcer}, (Med.) an erosion of the mucous membrane
forming the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or lower
esophagus, originally believed to be due mostly to the
action of gastric juice. Recently, the bacterium
{Helicobacter pylori} has been implicated as a causal
agent in many peptic ulcers. In other cases, the use of
non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs) such as
aspirin are believed to be to blame. Such ulcers may be
treated with antibiotics or antisecretory agents that
reduce stomach acidity, or both. Formerly believed to be a
chronic illness that could only be managed, it is now
viewed as a curable disease.
[PJC]