peristalsis

noun

peri·​stal·​sis ˌper-ə-ˈstȯl-səs 

-ˈstäl-,

-ˈstal- 

plural peristalses ˌper-ə-ˈstȯl-ˌsēz 

-ˈstäl-,

-ˈstal-

: successive waves of involuntary contraction passing along the walls of a hollow muscular structure (such as the esophagus or intestine) and forcing the contents onward

Examples of peristalsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Part of this is due to peristalsis, the muscle contractions and relaxations in your colon shortly after eating or drinking. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 27 Mar. 2025

This softens the stool and increases peristalsis (movement through the intestines). —Jennifer Lefton, Ms, Rd/n, Cnsc, Fand, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025

Fall asleep and dream about being slowly forced, as if by some mechanized peristalsis, through the digestive tract of a huge synthetic worm that then deposits me into a lightless industrial kitchen. —Jay Katsir, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2025

This stretching effect triggers the colon muscles to contract and relax rhythmically, a motion known as peristalsis. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek peristaltikos peristaltic

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for peristalsis

• calcis

Kids Definition

peristalsis

noun

peri·​stal·​sis ˌper-ə-ˈstȯl-səs  -ˈstäl- 

-ˈstal-

plural peristalses -ˌsēz 

: the contracting and expanding movements by which food and waste products of digestion are forced through parts (as the esophagus and intestine) of the digestive system

peristaltic

-tik

adjective

Medical Definition

peristalsis

noun

peri·​stal·​sis ˌper-ə-ˈstȯl-səs  -ˈstäl- 

-ˈstal-

plural peristalses -ˌsēz 

: successive waves of involuntary contraction passing along the walls of a hollow muscular structure (as the esophagus or intestine) and forcing the contents onward compare segmentation sense 2