MEANING
Affected by caries or decay, especially describing a tooth, bone, or decayed lesion.
Use it for
Use for a tooth or lesion affected by caries and decay.Give a close-up of bodily decay a precise clinical rather than sensational tone.
Words that belong together
- carious tooth
- carious lesion
- carious dentin
On the page
The carious molar crumbled under the dentist’s careful probe.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Word forms
- Base
- carious
Explore related collections
Usage notes
A clinical term most often used of teeth or lesions affected by caries; it is more specific than the general word rotten.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
Keep a thought for later. Sign in to save privately.