systaltic

[si-stawl-tik, -stal-]

adjective

Physiology.

1. rhythmically contracting.

2. of the nature of contraction.

3. characterized by alternate contraction and dilation, as the action of the heart.

systaltic

/ sɪˈstæltɪk /

adjective

1. (esp of the action of the heart) of, relating to, or characterized by alternate contractions and dilations; pulsating

Word History and Origins

Origin of systaltic¹

1670–80; < Late Latin systalticus < Greek systaltikós, equivalent to systalt ( ós ) contracted, verbid of systéllein to put together ( sy- sy- + stal-, variant stem of stéllein to place + -tos verbid suffix) + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of systaltic¹

C17: from Late Latin systalticus, from Greek sustaltikos, from sustellein to contract, from _syn- + stellein to place

Example Sentences

Systaltic, sis-tal′tik, adj. alternately contracting and dilating, pulsatory.

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