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peristalsis

noun [U]
 
 
/ˌper.ɪˈstæl.sɪs/ US  /-ˈstɑːl-/ specialized

Definition

the repeated movements made by the muscle walls in the digestive tract tightening and then relaxing, which push food and waste through the bodyThe digestive system
(Definition of peristalsis noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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