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

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

Words 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

I believe you can imagine the result, elimination is prevented because of the stoppage of peristalsis.
Highways in Hiding|George Oliver Smith
It increases intestinal peristalsis, acts as a mild laxative, and slightly stimulates secretion of bile.
All About Coffee|William H. Ukers
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
In its modern significance, peristalsis, however, also includes the movements of longitudinal fibres.
On the Natural Faculties|Galen

I have as much attitude toward it as I do toward osmosis or toward peristalsis.
Card Trick|Walter Bupp AKA Randall Garrett

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

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.

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.