Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

‖

Noun.

[L., fr. Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] to put asunder, to separate;

διά

through + [GREEK] to set, to place.]

(Physiol.)

The rhythmical expansion or dilatation of the heart and arteries; – correlative to

systole

, or contraction.

(Gram.)

A figure by which a syllable naturally short is made long.

, DIASTOLY,

Noun.

[Gr., to set or send from.]

Among physicians, a dilation of the heart, auricles and arteries; opposed to systole or contraction.

In grammar, the extension of a syllable; or a figure by which a syllable naturally short is made long.

See also: diastole and Diastole

diástole f (plural diástoles)