peristalsis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Medical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “peristalsis” mean?
The involuntary, wave-like muscular contractions that move food and waste through the digestive tract.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The involuntary, wave-like muscular contractions that move food and waste through the digestive tract.
Any similar wave-like muscular contraction in tubular structures of the body, such as the ureters or fallopian tubes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical technical/medical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “peristalsis” in a Sentence
The [noun] is moved by peristalsis.Peristalsis propels [noun] through [location].[Condition] affects intestinal peristalsis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “peristalsis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gut undergoes peristalsis to move its contents.
- The medication helps the bowel to peristalse more effectively.
American English
- The intestines peristalse to propel waste.
- After surgery, it's crucial for the colon to begin peristalsing again.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form in use. 'Peristaltically' is theoretically possible but exceedingly rare.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form in use.]
adjective
British English
- The peristaltic wave was visible on the scan.
- They studied the drug's peristaltic effects.
American English
- The peristaltic action is essential for digestion.
- An abnormal peristaltic pattern was noted.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biology, medicine, physiology, and related life science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare; might be used when discussing a specific medical condition.
Technical
The primary context. Used in medical diagnoses, physiological descriptions, and pharmacological discussions (e.g., drugs affecting peristalsis).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peristalsis”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The food peristalsed'). The verb is 'to undergo peristalsis'.
- Pronouncing it with the stress on the first syllable (/ˈper.ɪˌstæl.sɪs/). Correct stress is on the third syllable.
- Using it to describe voluntary swallowing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is entirely involuntary. You cannot consciously control the muscular contractions of peristalsis.
Yes. While most commonly associated with the gut, similar wave-like contractions called peristalsis also occur in other tubular structures like the ureters (to move urine) and the oesophagus.
The medical term for severely reduced or absent peristalsis is 'ileus' or 'intestinal stasis'. The general opposite concept is paralysis or lack of movement (atony).
No, it is a technical term from medicine and physiology. Most people encounter it only in educational or medical settings.
The involuntary, wave-like muscular contractions that move food and waste through the digestive tract.
Peristalsis is usually technical/medical/scientific in register.
Peristalsis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌper.ɪˈstæl.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌper.əˈstɔːl.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a snake (PERI-Snake-al-sis) moving in waves through a tunnel, just like food moves through your intestines.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE DIGESTIVE TRACT IS A CONVEYOR BELT (moved by peristalsis).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'peristalsis' MOST appropriately used?