# celiac

CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/celiac
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

describing a condition where your body cannot process gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. You use this to describe a person who must avoid gluten to stay healthy.

For teachers: relating to or suffering from celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Often used as a participial adjective to describe a person's dietary requirements.

## Examples

- He is a celiac and must eat gluten-free bread.
- The restaurant offers a dedicated celiac menu to ensure that no cross-contamination occurs with regular flour.
- While many people avoid gluten for weight loss, a true celiac must strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet to prevent long-term intestinal damage and nutrient deficiencies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.