peristalsis

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

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.

peristalsis

/ 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

peristalsis

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.

peristalsis

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

Other Word Forms

• hyperperistalsis noun
• peristaltically adverb
• peristaltic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peristalsis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of peristalsis¹

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