\Per`i*stal"tic\, a. [Gr. ? clasping and
compressing, fr. ? to surround, wrap up; ? round + ? to
place, arrange: cf. F. p['e]ristaltique.] (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.