Peptic \Pep"tic\ (p[e^]p"t[i^]k), a. [L. pepticus, Gr.
  
         peptiko`s. See Pepsin.]

           1. Relating to digestion; promoting digestion; digestive;
         as,
      peptic sauces.
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   2.
         Able to digest. [R.]
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            Tolerably nutritive for a mind as yet so peptic.
                                                  --Carlyle.
     
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   3. (Physiol. Chem.) Pertaining to
         pepsin; resembling pepsin
      in its power of digesting
         or dissolving albuminous matter;
      containing or
         yielding pepsin, or a body of like
      properties; as,
         the peptic glands.
      [1913 Webster]

   {peptic
         ulcer}, (Med.) an erosion of the mucous membrane
     
         forming the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or lower
     
         esophagus, originally believed to be due mostly to the
    
          action of gastric juice. Recently, the bacterium
     
         Helicobacter
         pylori has been implicated as a causal
     
         agent in many peptic ulcers. In other cases, the use of
   
           non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs) such as
  
            aspirin are believed to be to blame. Such ulcers may be

              treated with antibiotics or antisecretory agents that

              reduce stomach acidity, or both. Formerly believed to
         be a
      chronic illness that could only be managed, it
         is now
      viewed as a curable disease.
      [PJC]