peristalsis

American  

[per-uh-stawl-sis, -stal-] / ˌpɛr əˈstɔl sɪs, -ˈstæl- /

noun

Physiology.

plural

peristalses

1. 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.

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peristalsis British  

/ ˌpɛrɪˈstælsɪs /

noun

1. 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

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peristalsis Scientific  

/ pĕr′ĭ-stôl′sĭs /

1. 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.

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peristalsis Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• hyperperistalsis noun
• peristaltic adjective
• peristaltically adverb

Etymology

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

Explanation

Peristalsis is when certain muscles in the body automatically contract and relax. Humans undergo peristalsis when they digest food. Many different animals use peristalsis, mostly in the process of digestion, as food and liquid is pushed forward through their intestines. Earthworms use peristalsis to move across or through the ground. Peristalsis is most often used in the context of biology classes or medical terminology, and the word is Modern Latin. The Greek root is peristaltikos, "contracting around," which combines peri, "around," and stalsis, "checking or constriction."

Example Sentences

Using peristalsis, or wave-like smooth muscle contractions, the muscles of the esophagus push the food towards the stomach.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Increased amounts of peristalsis crush more of the plant fibers.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Neural responses facilitate secretion of enzymes needed to digest or break down food as well as other involuntary responses like peristalsis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The smooth muscles of the esophagus undergo a series of wave like movements called peristalsis that push the food toward the stomach, as illustrated in Figure 25.10.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

These are not parties at all but acts and demonstrations, about as spontaneous as peristalsis and as interesting as its end product.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck