Definition

Short for Helicobacter pylori, a sneaky spiral-shaped bacterium that colonizes your stomach lining and causes ulcers, proving that not all stomach problems are from stress and spicy food. This microscopic troublemaker was discovered in 1982, overturning decades of medical wisdom and winning its discoverers a Nobel Prize. It's the reason your doctor might prescribe antibiotics for your stomach pain instead of just telling you to relax.

Example Usage

Turns out my chronic heartburn wasn't from coffee—I tested positive for H. pylori and needed antibiotics to evict the bacterial tenants.

Source: Medical terminology (Helicobacter pylori)

Related Terms

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hematology

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bohica

bend over, here it comes again...