Peristalsis

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Peristalsis \Per`i*stal"sis\, n. [NL. See {Peristaltic}.]
     (Physiol.)
     Peristaltic contraction or action.
     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:



  peristalsis
       n : the process of wave-like muscle contractions of the
           alimentary tract that moves food along [syn: {vermiculation}]
           [ant: {anastalsis}]
       [also: {peristalses} (pl)]