Pronunciation: [bˈɛlt͡ʃɪz] (IPA) 
Belches is a verb that means to expel gas audibly from the stomach through the mouth. Its spelling is a bit tricky, owing to the irregular placement of the letter 'E.' The word is spelled with an 'E' after the 'L,' but before the 'CH' sound. The correct phonetic transcription of belches is /'bɛltʃɪz/. This word is often confused with blemishes, which has a differing pronunciation and meaning.
Belches is a verb that refers to the process of expelling air strongly and noisily from the stomach through the mouth, resulting in a loud eructation or burp. It involves the release of gas, often after consuming food or drink, and can be both voluntary and involuntary. It is a natural bodily function that helps to relieve discomfort caused by the accumulation of air in the digestive system.
Belches are often accompanied by a characteristic sound and odor, due to the presence of gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane in the expelled air. These gases are produced during the process of digestion and fermentation within the gastrointestinal tract. Belching can occur spontaneously, but it can also be induced by swallowing air, either consciously or unconsciously.
Belches are a common occurrence in many cultures and are generally considered to be socially acceptable, although etiquette may vary depending on the setting. In some cases, excessive or frequent belching can be a sign of an underlying digestive disorder, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastritis. It may also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, including peptic ulcers or gallbladder disease.
In summary, belches are the audible and forceful release of air from the stomach through the mouth, providing temporary relief from gastrointestinal discomfort caused by trapped gases.
The word "belch" has an Old English origin, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "belkaną", meaning the act of emitting gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth. This word further traces back to the Proto-Indo-European base word, "bhelǵ-", which means "to swell, inflate, or boil". Over time, this word has evolved into the modern English term "belch" and its plural form "belches", referring to the act of expelling gas audibly from the stomach or throat.
