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Definition of peristalsis - 5 dictionary results

per⋅i⋅stal⋅sis

  [per-uh-stawl-sis, -stal-]
Use peristalsis in a Sentence
–noun, plural -ses  [-seez] . Physiology.
the progressive wave of contraction and relaxation of a tubular muscular system, esp. the alimentary canal, by which the contents are forced through the system.
Origin:
1855–60; < NL < Gk peri- peri- + stálsis contraction, equiv. to stal- (var. s. of stéllein to set, bring together, compress) + -sis -sis
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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per·i·stal·sis   (pěr'ĭ-stôl'sĭs, -stāl'-)   
n.   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.

[New Latin, from Greek peristaltikos, peristaltic, from peristellein, to wrap around : peri-, peri- + stellein, to place; see stel- in Indo-European roots.]
per'i·stal'tic (-stôl'tĭk, -stāl'-) adj., per'i·stal'ti·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

peristalsis [(per-uh-stawl-sis, per-uh-stal-sis)]

The wavelike, involuntary muscular contractions that move food through the digestive system.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: peri·stal·sis
Pronunciation: "per-&-'stol-s&s, -'stäl-, -'stal-
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural peri·stal·ses /-"sEz/
: 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 2
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

peristalsis per·i·stal·sis (pěr'ĭ-stôl'sĭs, -stāl'-)
n. pl. per·i·stal·ses (-sēz)
The wavelike muscular contractions of the intestine or other tubular structure that propel the contents onward by alternate contraction and relaxation. Also called vermicular movement.

per'i·stal'tic (-stôl'tĭk, -stāl'-) adj.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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