peristalsis

/ˈpɛrəˌstɔlsəs/

/pɛrɪˈstɔlsɪs/

Peristalsis is when certain muscles in the body automatically contract and relax. Humans undergo peristalsis when they digest food.

Many different animals use peristalsis, mostly in the process of digestion, as food and liquid is pushed forward through their intestines. Earthworms use peristalsis to move across or through the ground. Peristalsis is most often used in the context of biology classes or medical terminology, and the word is Modern Latin. The Greek root is peristaltikos, "contracting around," which combines peri, "around," and stalsis, "checking or constriction."

Definitions of peristalsis

1. noun

   the process of wavelike muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along
   synonyms: vermiculation

   antonyms:

   anastalsis

   muscular action of the alimentary tract in a direction opposite to peristalsis

   type of:

   activity, bodily function, bodily process, body process

   an organic process that takes place in the body