reflux

views updated May 14 2018

re·flux / ˈrēˌfləks/ • n. Chem. the process of boiling a liquid in such a way that any vapor is liquefied and returned to the stock. ∎  technical the flowing back of a liquid, esp. that of a fluid in the body.• v. [intr.] Chem. boil or cause to boil in circumstances such that the vapor returns to the stock of liquid after condensing. ∎  [intr.] technical (of a liquid, esp. a bodily fluid) flow back.

reflux

views updated May 17 2018

reflux (ree-fluks) n. a backflow of liquid, against its normal direction of movement. See gastro-oesophageal reflux, (reflux) oesophagitis, vesicoureteric reflux.