antiperistalsis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Specialist)Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “antiperistalsis” mean?
A reverse wave of muscular contractions in the digestive tract, moving contents upward, opposite of the normal direction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A reverse wave of muscular contractions in the digestive tract, moving contents upward, opposite of the normal direction.
A physiological process where involuntary muscle contractions in tubular organs (like the oesophagus or intestines) propagate in a direction opposite to the normal, forward-moving peristalsis, often resulting in vomiting or regurgitation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. No significant usage differences; it is a standard international medical term.
Connotations
None beyond its strict medical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, confined to medical/biological texts and discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “antiperistalsis” in a Sentence
The [drug/condition] caused antiperistalsis.Anti-peristalsis in the [organ] led to [symptom].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antiperistalsis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The antiperistaltic wave was visible on the manometry trace.
- An antiperistaltic agent was administered.
American English
- The antiperistaltic movement caused significant discomfort.
- They studied the antiperistaltic effects of the toxin.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in medical, physiological, and biological research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context; used in clinical diagnoses, medical reports, and scientific discussions of gastrointestinal motility.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antiperistalsis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antiperistalsis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antiperistalsis”
- Misspelling as 'antiperistalsys' or 'antiperistalcis'. Using it to describe any stomach upset instead of the specific reverse muscular movement.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, no. It is usually considered an abnormal or pathological reversal of the normal peristaltic movement, often associated with vomiting or certain motility disorders.
Yes, while most commonly discussed in the oesophagus and intestines, reverse peristaltic movements can theoretically occur in any hollow muscular tube that exhibits peristalsis, such as the ureters.
Reflux is the passive flow of contents back up a tract (often due to a weak valve), while antiperistalsis is an active, muscular contraction that pushes contents in the reverse direction.
No. It is a highly specialised medical term. Even most native speakers without a medical or biological background would not know or use this word.
A reverse wave of muscular contractions in the digestive tract, moving contents upward, opposite of the normal direction.
Antiperistalsis is usually technical/medical in register.
Antiperistalsis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌantɪpɛrɪˈstalsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæntaɪˌpɛrəˈstɔlsɪs/, /ˌæntiˌpɛrəˈstɔlsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANTI (against) + PERISTALSIS (normal gut movement) = movement AGAINST the normal flow.
Conceptual Metaphor
None in common use. Conceptually, it is a REVERSAL or BACKFLOW of a standard process.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'antiperistalsis'?