How to pronounce peristalsis
Say it like per-ih-STAL-sis. Peristalsis has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce peristalsis. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- per
- ih
- STAL
- sis
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Peristalsis pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- perGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- STALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- sisKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of peristalsis
American and British speakers say peristalsis in essentially the same way: /ˌpɛrɪˈstælsɪs/ in the US and /ˌpɛrɪˈstælsɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: per-ih-STAL-sis.
What does peristalsis mean?
- The coordinated, rhythmic, wavelike contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle that propels contents through a hollow organ, particularly food through the gastrointestinal tract.
Questions about saying peristalsis
How do you pronounce peristalsis?
Say per-ih-STAL-sis. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɛrɪˈstælsɪs/. In British English it is /ˌpɛrɪˈstælsɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in peristalsis?
Peristalsis has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAL). Broken into parts: per · ih · STAL · sis.
Do Americans and Brits say peristalsis the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌpɛrɪˈstælsɪs/ and the British form is /ˌpɛrɪˈstælsɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.