PERISTAL'TIC, adjective [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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Webster's Dictionary 1828
American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828.