achalasia

== English == === Etymology === From Ancient Greek ἀ- (a-, “not”) + χάλασις (khálasis, “relaxation”), from χαλάω (khaláō, “I loosen”). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /eɪkəˈleɪzi.ə/ === Noun === achalasia (countable and uncountable, plural achalasias) (medicine) A neuromuscular condition where a ring of muscles is unable to relax fully, causing obstruction of a lumen, as: (usually and especially) Such obstruction in the esophagus: esophageal achalasia. Coordinate term: pseudoachalasia (strictly) Such esophageal achalasia of primary (idiopathic) nature: primary esophageal achalasia. (occasionally) Such obstruction due to impairment of other gastrointestinal tract smooth muscles. ==== Translations ====