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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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Origin of peristalsis
OTHER WORDS FROM peristalsis
hy·per·per·i·stal·sis, nounWords nearby peristalsis
perisperm, perispomenon, perispore, perissodactyl, peristalith, peristalsis, peristaltic, Peristéri, peristerite, peristome, peristyle
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use peristalsis in a sentence
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
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.