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peristalsis

noun/ˌpɛr.ɪˈstɔːl.sɪs/

definition

the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract

example

Peristalsis plays a crucial role in the digestive process by pushing food through the esophagus and intestines.

synonyms
muscle contractionwave movementdigestive motility
word origin — from the Greek 'peri' meaning 'around' and 'stalsis' meaning 'a sending'

peristalsis, demesne, paean, lyophilization, brannigan: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 276. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. peristalsis · noun/ˌpɛr.ɪˈstɔːl.sɪs/

    the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract

    Peristalsis plays a crucial role in the digestive process by pushing food through the esophagus and intestines.

    Synonyms: muscle contraction, wave movement, digestive motility

    Origin: from the Greek 'peri' meaning 'around' and 'stalsis' meaning 'a sending'

  2. demesne · noun/dɪˈmeɪn/

    land attached to a manor and retained for the owner's use

    The lord of the manor was proud of his expansive demesne, which included fertile fields and lush woodlands.

    Synonyms: land, estate, property

    Origin: from Middle English 'demeine', from Old French 'domaine', from Latin 'dominium' meaning 'ownership, control, property'

  3. paean · noun/ˈpiːən/

    a song of praise or triumph

    The artist's latest album is a heartfelt paean to love and resilience, showcasing the beauty of human emotions.

    Synonyms: hymn, ode, chant

    Origin: from Latin 'paean', from Greek 'paian', meaning 'a hymn of praise to Apollo'.

  4. lyophilization · noun/ˌlaɪəˌfɪlɪˈzeɪʃən/

    the process of freeze-drying substances to remove moisture while preserving their structure and biological activity

    The lyophilization process allows for the preservation of sensitive biological samples without compromising their integrity.

    Synonyms: freeze-drying, dehydration, desiccation

    Origin: The word 'lyophilization' comes from the Greek roots 'lyo-' meaning 'loosen' and 'philos' meaning 'loving', combined with the Latin suffix '-ization' indicating a process.

  5. brannigan · noun/ˈbrænɪɡən/

    a drunken spree or wild celebration

    After the wedding, the whole group went on a brannigan to celebrate the newlyweds.

    Synonyms: binge, spree, revelry

    Origin: The word 'brannigan' is believed to be of Irish origin, possibly derived from the name 'Brannigan,' which is a patronymic surname in Ireland, indicating a connection to the practice of gathering for festivity or drinking.