achalasia

[ ak-uh-ley-zhuh, -zhee-uh, -zee-uh ]

noun

, Medicine/Medical.

1. inability of a circular muscle, especially of the esophagus or rectum, to relax, resulting in widening of the structure above the muscular constriction.

achalasia

/ ˌækəˈleɪzɪə /

noun

1. pathol failure of the cardiac sphincter of the oesophagus to relax, resulting in difficulty in swallowing

Word History and Origins

Origin of achalasia¹

1910–15; a- ⁶ + Greek chálas ( is ) ( chala- (stem of chalân to loosen) + -sis -sis ) + -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of achalasia¹

New Latin, from a- ¹+ Greek chalasis relaxation