Pĕr/i-stăl'tic, a.

a. [Fr. péristaltique, It. & Sp. peristaltico, Gr. περισταλτικός, clasping and compressing, from περιστάλλειν, to surround, wrap up, from περὶ, round, and στάλλειν, to place, arrange.] (Anat.) Contracting in successive circles;—a term applied to the vermicular motion of the alimentary canal, and similar structures, by which their contents are forced onward. It consists in the successive contraction of the muscular fibers of the canal, forcing their contents from the contracted portion into the relaxed portion beyond.