systole Hear it!

systole definition

sys·tole (sis′tə lē′)

noun

the usual rhythmic contraction of the heart, esp. of the ventricles, following each dilatation (diastole), during which the blood is driven onward from the chambers

Etymology: ModL < Gr systolē < systellein, to draw together: see systaltic

Related Forms:

  • systolic sys·tol′ic (sis täl′ik) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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