Adjacent Words

peristalsis definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: the process of wavelike muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along [syn: peristalsis, vermiculation] [ant: anastalsis]

Merriam Webster's

noun (plural peristalses) Etymology: New Latin, from Greek peristaltikos peristaltic Date: 1859 successive waves of involuntary contraction passing along the walls of a hollow muscular structure (as the esophagus or intestine) and forcing the contents onward

Britannica Concise

Progressive wavelike muscle contractions in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, and sometimes in the ureters and other hollow tubes. The waves can be short, local reflexes or long, continuous contractions along the length of the organ. In the esophagus, peristaltic waves push food into the stomach. In the stomach, they help mix stomach contents and propel food to the small intestine, where they expose food to the intestinal wall for absorption and move it forward. Peristalsis in the large intestine pushes waste toward the anal canal and is important in removing gas and dislodging potential bacterial colonies.

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. an involuntary muscular wavelike movement by which the contents of the alimentary canal etc. are propelled along. Derivatives: peristaltic adj. peristaltically adv. Etymology: mod.L f. Gk peristello wrap around (as PERI-, stello place)

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Peristalsis Per`i*stal"sis, n. [NL. See Peristaltic.] (Physiol.) Peristaltic contraction or action.