peristalsis
[ per-uh-stawl-sis, -stal- ]
/ ˌpɛr əˈstɔl sɪs, -ˈstæl- /
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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.
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Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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OTHER WORDS FROM peristalsis
hy·per·per·i·stal·sis, nounWords nearby peristalsis
perispomenon, perispondylitis, perispore, perissodactyl, peristalith, peristalsis, peristaltic, Peristéri, peristerite, peristole, peristome
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for peristalsis
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, adverbWord 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
Medical 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.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for peristalsis
peristalsis
[ (per-uh-stawl-sis, per-uh-stal-sis) ]
The wavelike, involuntary muscular contractions that move food through the digestive system.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.