peristaltic Meaning, Definition & Usage

Per`i*stal"tic adjective
Etymology
Gr. clasping and compressing, fr. to surround, wrap up; round + to place, arrange: cf. F. péristaltique.
Definitions
  1. (Physiol.) Applied to the peculiar wormlike wave motion of the intestines and other similar structures, produced by the successive contraction of the muscular fibers of their walls, forcing their contents onwards; as, peristaltic movement. -- Per`i*stal"tic*al*ly adv.

Webster 1913