Peristaltic

Per′i‐stal″tic (?), a. [Gr. � clasping and compressing, fr. � to surround, wrap up; � round + � to place, arrange: cf. F. péristaltique.] (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.