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Webster 1913 Edition

Peristaltic

Perˊi-stal′tic

,
Adj.
[Gr. [GREEK] clasping and compressing, fr. [GREEK] to surround, wrap up; [GREEK] round + [GREEK] to place, arrange: cf. F.
péristaltique
.]
(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
.
–
Perˊi-stal′tic-al-ly
(#)
,
adv.

Webster 1828 Edition

Peristaltic

PERISTAL'TIC

,
Adj.
[Gr. to involve.] Spiral; vermicular or worm-like. The peristaltic motion of the intestines is performed by the contraction of the circular and longitudinal fibers composing their fleshy coats, by which the chyle is driven into the orifices of the lacteals, and the excrements are protruded towards the anus.

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