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

Example Sentences

For example, earthworms move by waves of muscular contractions of the skeletal muscle of the body wall hydrostatic skeleton, called peristalsis, which alternately shorten and lengthen the body.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The peristalsis wave is unidirectional—it moves food from the mouth to the stomach, and reverse movement is not possible.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Much of muscle contraction occurs without conscious thought and is necessary for survival, like the contraction of the heart or peristalsis, which pushes food through the digestive system.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The smooth muscles of the esophagus undergo peristalsis that pushes the food toward the stomach.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

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