peristalsis

[ per-uh-stawl-sis, -stal- ]

/ ˌpɛr əˈstɔl sɪs, -ˈstæl- /

noun, plural per·i·stal·ses [per-uh-stawl-seez, -stal-] /ˌpɛr əˈstɔl siz, -ˈstæl-/. Physiology.

the progressive wave of contraction and relaxation of a tubular muscular system, especially the alimentary canal, by which the contents are forced through the system.

Words nearby peristalsis

perispomenon, perispondylitis, perispore, perissodactyl, peristalith, peristalsis, peristaltic, peristerite, peristole, peristome, peristyle

Origin of peristalsis

1855–60; < New Latin < Greek peri- peri- + stálsis contraction, equivalent to stal- (variant stem of stéllein to set, bring together, compress) + -sis -sis

OTHER WORDS FROM peristalsis

hy·per·per·i·stal·sis, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for peristalsis

In its modern significance, peristalsis, however, also includes the movements of longitudinal fibres.
On the Natural Faculties|Galen
It is on this roughage or waste material that intestinal movement or peristalsis depends.
Health Through Will Power|James J. Walsh
For is it not indicative of peristalsis that always when the upper parts of the gullet contract the lower parts dilate?
On the Natural Faculties|Galen
Various things may interfere with peristalsis, and the disturbance of it will almost surely cause some sensation.
Psychotherapy|James J. Walsh

If, however, cold increases pain and peristalsis, it should be abandoned.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various

British Dictionary definitions for peristalsis

peristalsis

/ (ˌpɛrɪˈstælsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-siːz)

physiol the succession of waves of involuntary muscular contraction of various bodily tubes, esp of the alimentary tract, where it effects transport of food and waste products

Derived forms of peristalsis

peristaltic, adjectiveperistaltically, adverb

Word Origin for peristalsis

C19: from New Latin, from peri- + Greek stalsis compression, from stellein to press together

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for peristalsis

peristalsis

[ pĕr′ĭ-stôl′sĭs, -stăl′- ]

n. pl. per•i•stal•ses (-sēz)

The wavelike muscular contractions of the intestine or other tubular structure that propel the contents onward by alternate contraction and relaxation.vermicular movement

Other words from peristalsis

per′i•stal′tic (-stôl′tĭk, -stăl′-) adj.

Science definitions for peristalsis

peristalsis

[ pĕr′ĭ-stôl′sĭs ]

The wavelike muscular contractions in tubular structures, especially organs of the digestive system such as the esophagus and the intestines. Peristalsis is characterized by alternate contraction and relaxation, which pushes ingested food through the digestive tract towards its release at the anus. Worms propel themselves through peristaltic movement.

Culture definitions for peristalsis

peristalsis

[ (per-uh-stawl-sis, per-uh-stal-sis) ]

The wavelike, involuntary muscular contractions that move food through the digestive system.