achalasia

noun

acha·​la·​sia ˌā-kə-ˈlā-zh(ē-)ə How to pronounce achalasia (audio)
: failure of a ring of muscle (such as the anal sphincter or one of the esophagus) to relax

Examples of achalasia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Also, my breast cancer acted like an autoimmune disorder, aggravating my achalasia. Rachel S. Hunt, Washington Post, 6 July 2024 Start to finish, the worst of my achalasia symptoms took almost four years to find and treat. Rachel S. Hunt, Washington Post, 6 July 2024 After Lorraine passed away in May 2018 at age 73, after close to a decade with achalasia, a condition that closes off the esophagus, Chuck set to work living out her wishes. Heidi Stevens, chicagotribune.com, 9 Aug. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'achalasia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + Greek chálasis "loosening, relaxation" (from chaláō, chalân "to loosen" —of obscure origin— + -sis -sis) + -ia entry 1

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of achalasia was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near achalasia

Cite this Entry

“Achalasia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/achalasia. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

achalasia

noun
acha·​la·​sia ˌā-kə-ˈlā-zh(ē-)ə How to pronounce achalasia (audio)
: failure of a ring of muscle (as a sphincter) to relax
achalasia of the esophagus
achalasia of the anal sphincter
compare cardiospasm

More from Merriam-Webster on achalasia

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