Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PER-I-STAL'TIC, a. [Gr. περισταλτικος, from περιστελλω, to involve.]

Spiral; vermicular or worm-like. The peristaltic motion of the intestines is performed by the contraction of the circular and longitudinal fibres composing their fleshy coats, by; which the chyle is carried downward to the orifices of the lacteals, and the excrements are protruded toward the anus. – Encyc.