peristalsis

peristalsis [per-uh-stawl-sis, -stal-] ExamplesWord Origin noun, plural per·i·stal·ses [per-uh-stawl-seez, -stal-] /ˌpɛr əˈstɔl siz, -ˈstæl-/. Physiology.

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.

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 Related formshy·per·per·i·stal·sis, noun Examples from the Web for peristalsis Historical Examples of peristalsis

Otherwise, the peristalsis it awakens may only aggravate the danger.

A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II

Various

It is on this roughage or waste material that intestinal movement or peristalsis depends.

Health Through Will Power

James J. Walsh

If, however, cold increases pain and peristalsis, it should be abandoned.

A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II

Various

In this stage the peristalsis of the gullet is sufficient to force the food through the cardia.

Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities–Head–Neck. Sixth Edition.

Alexander Miles

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

British Dictionary definitions for peristalsis peristalsis noun plural -ses (-siːz)

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

Derived Formsperistaltic, adjectiveperistaltically, adverbWord Origin for peristalsis C19: from New Latin, from peri- + Greek stalsis compression, from stellein to press together Word Origin and History for peristalsis n.

1859, Modern Latin peristalsis; see peristaltic.

peristalsis in Medicine peristalsis [pĕr′ĭ-stôl′sĭs, -stăl′-] n. pl. per•i•stal•ses (-sēz)

1. The wavelike muscular contractions of the intestine or other tubular structure that propel the contents onward by alternate contraction and relaxation.vermicular movement

Related formsper′i•stal′tic (-stôl′tĭk, -stăl′-) adj. peristalsis in Science peristalsis [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.

peristalsis in Culture peristalsis [(per-uh-stawl-sis, per-uh-stal-sis)]

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