Peristaltic
Peristaltic , adjective
[Greek {not transcribed} clasping and compressing, from {not transcribed} to surround, wrap up; {not transcribed} round + {not transcribed} to place, arrange: compare French péristaltique.]
(Physiology) Pertaining to a wormlike wave motion of the intestines, and by analogy, of other flexible tubular structures. In the body it is produced by a progressive contraction of the muscular fibers of their walls, forcing their contents onwards in the direction of the wave; as, peristaltic movement.