ˈka(ə)rēz, -e(ə)r-, -aa-, -ār-, -riz also -rēˌēz noun
( plural caries )
Etymology: Latin, decay; akin to Greek kēr death, Sanskrit śṛṇāti he breaks, crushes
: the decay of animal tissues:
a. : ulceration and destruction of bone
caries of the spine
b. : tooth decay ; specifically : the pathological process of localized destruction of tooth tissue by microorganisms