peristalsis

noun

peri·​stal·​sis ˌper-ə-ˈstȯl-səs How to pronounce peristalsis (audio)
-ˈstäl-,
-ˈstal- How to pronounce peristalsis (audio)
plural peristalses ˌper-ə-ˈstȯl-ˌsēz How to pronounce peristalsis (audio)
-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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In their back-and-forth manner, all technologies have been improving, even if the peristalsis of history is hard to follow. Peter Rubin, Longreads, 14 Dec. 2022 In their back-and-forth manner, all technologies have been improving, even if the peristalsis of history is hard to follow. Peter Rubin, Longreads, 14 Dec. 2022 These help trigger peristalsis, the undulating muscle contractions that help squeeze food through the gut. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 8 Feb. 2023 In their back-and-forth manner, all technologies have been improving, even if the peristalsis of history is hard to follow. Peter Rubin, Longreads, 14 Dec. 2022 In their back-and-forth manner, all technologies have been improving, even if the peristalsis of history is hard to follow. Peter Rubin, Longreads, 14 Dec. 2022 And thankfully, the pythonlike digestive process of peristalsis, which moves food and drink along in wavelike contractions from first swallow to final farewell, was likewise unimpeded by a zero-gravity environment. Christian Millman, Discover Magazine, 29 Oct. 2015 Chewing gum can help get your gastrointestinal tract moving by improving peristalsis, the rhythmic muscle contractions of your intestines that push food through your system. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2022 In their back-and-forth manner, all technologies have been improving, even if the peristalsis of history is hard to follow. Sasha Frere-jones, Harper’s Magazine , 9 Nov. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'peristalsis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek peristaltikos peristaltic

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peristalsis was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near peristalsis

Cite this Entry

“Peristalsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peristalsis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

peristalsis

noun
peri·​stal·​sis ˌper-ə-ˈstȯl-səs How to pronounce peristalsis (audio) -ˈstäl- How to pronounce peristalsis (audio)
-ˈstal-
plural peristalses -ˌsēz How to pronounce peristalsis (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce peristalsis (audio) -ˈstäl- How to pronounce peristalsis (audio)
-ˈstal-
plural peristalses -ˌsēz How to pronounce peristalsis (audio)
: 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

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