adjective
peristaltic
pair-uh-STAHL-tik/ˌpɛrəˈstɑltɪk/
Relating to wave-like muscle contractions that move contents through bodily tubes.
Peristaltic waves move swallowed food through the esophagus toward the stomach.
Etymology
The literal image is “contracting around”: a tube’s muscular wall tightens around its contents. The adjective describes this action occurring in waves that move material onward.
In context
Digestion in the stomach involves both mechanical and chemical processes. Mechanically, the stomach churns food through peristaltic movements.
More examples
- Peristaltic contractions push urine through the ureters into the bladder.
- The intestines use peristaltic movements to carry food along.
- Some medications slow peristaltic activity in the digestive tract.
Forms
peristalsis noun — Wave-like muscle contractions moving contents through bodily tubes.
Similar words
- propulsive
- Describes forward-driving action without requiring waves of muscle contraction.