peristaltic

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

/ ˌpɛr əˈstɔl tɪk, -ˈstæl- /

adjective Physiology.

of, relating to, or resembling peristalsis.

Nearby words

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

Origin of peristaltic

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

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for peristaltic

Absence of peristaltic sounds is always an indication of disease, and suggests exhaustion or paralysis of the intestines.
Special Report on Diseases of the Horse|United States Department of Agriculture
The peristaltic waves generally pass from left to right, rarely in the opposite direction as well.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various
The ganglia of Auerbach and of Meissner in the intestinal wall are sufficient for the development of peristaltic waves.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various
Peristaltic movements are constantly taking place in the digestive tract.
Psychotherapy|James J. Walsh

In either of these cases, the peristaltic action of the intestines becomes enfeebled, and constipation ensues.
A Newly Discovered System of Electrical Medication|Daniel Clark

Word Origin and History for peristaltic

peristaltic

adj.

1650s, from Modern Latin, from Greek peristaltikos (Galen), literally "contracting around," from peri (see peri-) "around, about" + stalsis "checking, constriction," related to stellein "draw in, bring together; set in order" (see diastole).