achalasia

noun acha·la·sia \ˌā-kə-ˈlā-zh(ē-)ə\

Definition of ACHALASIA

: failure of a ring of muscle (as the anal sphincter or one of the esophagus) to relax

New Latin, from a- + Greek chalasis slackening + New Latin -ia

First Known Use: 1914

Medical Dictionary

noun acha·la·sia \ˌā-kə-ˈlā-zh(ē-)ə\

: failure of a ring of muscle (as a sphincter) to relax <achalasia of the esophagus> <achalasia of the anal sphincter>—compare cardiospasm

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