Ăn'tĭ-pe-rĭs'ta-sĭs, n.

Ăn'tĭ-pe-rĭs'ta-sĭs, n. [Gr. ἀντιπερίστασις, from ἀντί, against, and περίστασις, a standing around, from περιεστάναι, to stand around, from περί, around, and ἱστάναι, to stand.] The opposition of a contrary quality, by which the quality opposed acquires strength; or the intension of the activity of one quality by the opposition of another. Thus quick-lime is set on fire, or sensible heat is excited in it, by mixture with water; and cold applied to the human body may increase its heat. Quincy.