Lexic.us

Definition of Peristalsis

1. Noun. The process of wavelike muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along.

Definition of Peristalsis

1. n. Peristaltic contraction or action.

Definition of Peristalsis

1. Noun. (medicine) The rhythmic, wave-like contraction of the digestive tract that forces food through it. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Peristalsis

1. [n -STALSES]

Medical Definition of Peristalsis

1. The wormlike movement by which the alimentary canal or other tubular organs provided with both longitudinal and circular muscle fibres propel their contents. It consists of a wave of contraction passing along the tube for variable distances. Origin: Gr. Stalsis = contraction This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology (11 Mar 2008)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Peristalsis

Literary usage of Peristalsis

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge (1919)
"peristalsis, vermicular or peristaltic motion or contraction of the stomach ... peristalsis in the stomach and intestines pushes the food along so that it ..."

2. The Roentgen Diagnosis of Diseases of the Alimentary Canal by Russell Daniel Carman (1920)
"peristalsis.—The perversions of peristalsis resulting from gastric cancer ... Absence of peristalsis from a cancerous area of the gastric wall due to local ..."

3. Progressive Medicine by Hobart Amory Hare (1922)
"Exaggerated type of normal peristalsis. This type was observed with 7 patients with ulceration of the first part of the duodenum. In 1 individual this type ..."

4. The Alimentary Tract: A Radiographic Study by Alfred Ernest Barclay (1915)
"THE CONTROL OF peristalsis AND TONIC ACTION. As I have pointed out,* I believe that tonic action and peristalsis are entirely separate and independent ..."

5. The American Journal of the Medical Sciences by Southern Society for Clinical Investigation (U.S.) (1890)
"After coughing the peristalsis becomes evidently stronger during a ... Through pressing [evacuation of the bowf-ls] an increased peristalsis is produced. 9. ..."

6. A Text-book of the Practice of Medicine by James Meschter Anders (1898)
"INCREASED peristalsis OF THE STOMACH. Gastric peristalsis is increased in various conditions, which wi considered seriatim, though briefly. ..."

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