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peristalsis

(per′ə stal′sis, -stôl′-)

the rhythmic, wavelike motion of the walls of the alimentary canal and certain other hollow organs, consisting of alternate contractions and dilations of transverse and longitudinal muscles that move the contents of the tube onward

Origin: ModL < Gr peristaltikos < peristellein, to surround, involve < peri-, around + stellein, to place: for IE base see stalk

Related Forms:

peristaltic adjective
peristaltically adverb

See peristalsis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. per·i·stal·ses (-sēz)

The wavelike muscular contractions of the alimentary canal or other tubular structures by which contents are forced onward toward the opening.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin

Origin: , from Greek peristaltikos, peristaltic

Origin: , from peristellein, to wrap around

Origin: : peri-, peri-

Origin: + stellein, to place; see stel- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

perˌi·stalˈtic (-stôlˈtĭk, -stălˈ-) adjective

perˌi·stalˈti·cal·ly adverb

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