achalasia

noun

acha·​la·​sia ˌā-kə-ˈlā-zh(ē-)ə 

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

Examples of achalasia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Also, my breast cancer acted like an autoimmune disorder, aggravating my achalasia. —Rachel S. Hunt, Washington Post, 6 July 2024

Start to finish, the worst of my achalasia symptoms took almost four years to find and treat. —Rachel S. Hunt, Washington Post, 6 July 2024

After Lorraine passed away in May 2018 at age 73, after close to a decade with achalasia, a condition that closes off the esophagus, Chuck set to work living out her wishes. —Heidi Stevens, chicagotribune.com, 9 Aug. 2019

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + Greek chálasis "loosening, relaxation" (from chaláō, chalân "to loosen" —of obscure origin— + -sis -sis) + -ia entry 1

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

achalasia

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