World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesTooth decay
/ˈtuːθ dɪˈkeɪ/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
The progressive destruction of tooth enamel caused by acids produced by oral bacteria.
"Regular brushing and flossing help prevent tooth decay." - 2
A cavity or diseased state of a tooth resulting from bacterial infection.
"The dentist filled a deep spot of tooth decay on her molar."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The term combines the Old English 'tōþ' (from Proto-Germanic *tanþ-) and the Middle English 'decayen' (derived from Old French 'decairr' and ultimately Latin 'decadere', meaning to fall away). Historically documented in medical texts since the late Middle Ages, the compound refers specifically to the progressive destruction of tooth enamel.
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10 Global Lexicons: How "Tooth decay" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
carie dentaire
Transliteration: kaʁi dɑ̃tɛʁ
"Une mauvaise alimentation peut provoquer une carie dentaire."
Karies
Transliteration: ˈkaːʁi̯əs
"Regelmäßiges Zähneputzen schützt vor Karies."
carie
Transliteration: ˈkaːrje
"Il dentista ha curato la carie."
caries dental
Transliteration: ˈkaɾjes denˈtal
"El consumo excesivo de azúcar causa caries dental."
cárie dentária
Transliteration: ˈkaɾi.u dẽˈtaɾjɐ
"A cárie dentária pode ser prevenida com boa higiene."
दंत क्षय
Transliteration: dant kshay
"मीठा खाने से दंत क्षय हो सकता है।"
龋齿
Transliteration: qǔchǐ
"儿童应当少吃糖以防止龋齿。"
충치
Transliteration: chungchi
"양치질을 소홀히 하면 충치가 생깁니다."
虫歯
Transliteration: mushiba
"毎日の歯磨きで虫歯を防ぎましょう。"
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