peristaltic

[ per-uh-stawl-tik, -stal- ]

/ ˌpɛr əˈstɔl tɪk, -ˈstæl- /

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adjective Physiology.

of, relating to, or resembling peristalsis.

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Origin of peristaltic

1645–55; <Greek peristaltikós compressing, equivalent to peri-peri- + stal- (see peristalsis) + -tikos-tic

OTHER WORDS FROM peristaltic

per·i·stal·ti·cal·ly, adverbhy·per·per·i·stal·tic, adjective

Words nearby peristaltic

perispondylitis, perispore, perissodactyl, peristalith, peristalsis, peristaltic, Peristéri, peristerite, peristole, peristome, peristyle

How to use peristaltic in a sentence

We have seen how great a part unpleasant emotions play in preventing peristaltic movements of the food tube.
A Civic Biology|George William Hunter
Antiperistaltic, an-ti-per-i-stal′tik, adj. contrary to peristaltic motion: acting upwards.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D)|Various
The only effect I perceived from its use was a slight increase of peristaltic action.
Vegetable Diet: As Sanctioned by Medical Men, and by Experience in All Ages|William Andrus Alcott
The peristaltic motion observed in the females of some insects during oviposition has been before described.
An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. III (of 4)|William Kirby

The circulation is effected, not by means of a heart, but by wave-like (peristaltic) contractions of the dorsal blood-vessel.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold