peristalsis
peri·stal·sis
noun\ˌper-ə-ˈstȯl-səs, -ˈstäl-, -ˈstal-\
plural peri·stal·ses\-ˌsēz\
Definition of PERISTALSIS
: successive waves of involuntary contraction passing along the walls of a hollow muscular structure (as the esophagus or intestine) and forcing the contents onward
See Origin of PERISTALSIS
New Latin, from Greek peristaltikos peristaltic
First Known Use: 1859
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