(băr′ĕts)
[Pronunciation]
[Norman R. Barrett, Brit. surgeon, 1903–1979]
Replacement of the squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus with metaplastic columnar epithelium as a result of chronic exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid.
The pathological changes usually occur after many years of gastroesophageal reflux disease and are occasionally followed by adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus.

See: gastroesophageal reflux disease