peristaltic

The doctor explains peristaltic movement in the digestive system.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to peristalsis: "peristaltic" describes the involuntary, wave-like muscular contractions that propel contents through a tubular structure, such as the digestive tract.

Usage Examples

• (Wave-like muscle contractions in the food pipe.)
• (The rhythmic contractions that move waste through the intestines.)

Advanced Usage

• "peristaltic pump": a mechanical device that uses rotating rollers to compress a flexible tube, mimicking biological peristaltic motion to move fluids.

  • The laboratory uses a peristaltic pump to transfer sterile liquids without contamination. (A pump that works like digestive muscle contractions.)

• "peristaltic wave": a single contraction-relaxation cycle in a series of such movements.

  • A peristaltic wave travels down the intestine every few seconds. (One individual contraction in the digestive process.)

Variants and Related Words

• Peristalsis (noun): the process of wave-like contractions that move material through a tubular organ.

  • Peristalsis is essential for digestion and waste elimination. (The entire process of rhythmic muscular action.)

• Anti-peristaltic (adjective): relating to contractions that move in the opposite direction of normal peristalsis (e.g., in vomiting).

  • Anti-peristaltic waves can cause the stomach to expel its contents. (Reverse peristaltic motion.)

Synonyms

• Contractile: having the ability to contract, especially in a rhythmic pattern.
• Wave-like: moving in a sequence of undulating motions.

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms