'Peristaltic' definitions:

Definition of 'Peristaltic'

From: GCIDE
  • Peristaltic \Per`i*stal"tic\, a. [Gr. ? clasping and compressing, fr. ? to surround, wrap up; ? round + ? to place, arrange: cf. F. p['e]ristaltique.] (Physiol.) Pertaining to a wormlike wave motion of the intestines, and by analogy, of other flexible tubular structures. In the body it is produced by a progressive contraction of the muscular fibers of their walls, forcing their contents onwards in the direction of the wave; as, peristaltic movement. -- {Per`i*stal"tic*al*ly}, adv. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Peristaltic'