achalasia

From Ancient Greek ἀ- (a-, “not”) + χάλασις (khálasis, “relaxation”), from χαλάω (khaláō, “I loosen”).

• IPA^(key): /eɪkəˈleɪzi.ə/

achalasia (countable and uncountable, plural achalasias)

1. (medicine) A neuromuscular condition where a ring of muscles is unable to relax fully, causing obstruction of a lumen, as:
   1. (usually and especially) Such obstruction in the esophagus: esophageal achalasia.

      Coordinate term: pseudoachalasia

      1. (strictly) Such esophageal achalasia of primary (idiopathic) nature: primary esophageal achalasia.
   2. (occasionally) Such obstruction due to impairment of other gastrointestinal tract smooth muscles.