a condition in which the normal squamous epithelium lining the oesophagus is replaced by columnar epithelium because of damage caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux or (occasionally) corrosive oesophagitis. The condition may be associated with an ulcer (Barrett's ulcer), and the epithelium has an abnormally high likelihood of undergoing malignant change.
N. R. Barrett (1903-79), British surgeon
Medical dictionary. 2011.