peristalsis
[ per-uh-stawl-sis, -stal- ]
/ ˌpɛr əˈstɔl sɪs, -ˈstæl- /
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.
Origin of peristalsis
OTHER WORDS FROM peristalsis
hy·per·per·i·stal·sis, nounWords nearby peristalsis
perispomenon,
perispondylitis,
perispore,
perissodactyl,
peristalith,
peristalsis,
peristaltic,
peristerite,
peristole,
peristome,
peristyle
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, adjective peristaltically, adverbWord Origin for peristalsis
C19: from New Latin, from
peri- + Greek
stalsis compression, from
stellein to press together
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.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.