[ ˌpɛrɪ'stalsɪs ]
■ noun Physiology the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine or another canal, creating wave-like movements which push the contents of the canal forward.
Derivatives
peristaltic adjective
peristaltically adverb
Origin
C19: mod. L., from Gk peristallein 'wrap around'.