systole

[ sis-tuh-lee, -lee ]
/ ˈsɪs təˌli, -li /

noun

Physiology. the normal rhythmical contraction of the heart, during which the blood in the chambers is forced onward. Compare diastole.
Classical Prosody. the shortening of a syllable regularly long.

Origin of systole

1570–80; < Greek systolḗ a drawing up, contraction, equivalent to sy- sy- + stolḗ pressure, orig., garment, equipment, equivalent to stol- (noun derivative of stéllein to send, place) + -ē feminine noun suffix; cf. diastole, systaltic

OTHER WORDS FROM systole

pre·sys·to·le, noun

Words nearby systole

systems disk, systems engineer, systems engineering, systems software, systems theory, systole, systolic, systolic gallop, systolic murmur, systolic pressure, systolic thrill

British Dictionary definitions for presystole

systole
/ (ˈsɪstəlɪ) /

noun

contraction of the heart, during which blood is pumped into the aorta and the arteries that lead to the lungs Compare diastole

Derived forms of systole

systolic (sɪˈstɒlɪk), adjective

Word Origin for systole

C16: via Late Latin from Greek sustolē, from sustellein to contract; see systaltic

Medical definitions for presystole (1 of 2)

presystole
[ prē-sĭs′tə-lē ]

n.

The interval in the cardiac rhythm immediately preceding systole.

Other words from presystole

pre′sys•tol′ic (-sĭ-stŏl′ĭk) adj.

Medical definitions for presystole (2 of 2)

systole
[ sĭs′tə-lē ]

n.

The rhythmic contraction of the heart, especially of the ventricles, by which blood is driven through the aorta and pulmonary artery after each dilation or diastole. miocardia

Other words from systole

sys•tol′ic (sĭ-stŏl′ĭk) adj.

Scientific definitions for presystole

systole
[ sĭs′tə-lē ]

The period during the normal beating of the heart in which the chambers of the heart, especially the ventricles, contract to force blood into the aorta and pulmonary artery. Compare diastole.

Other words from systole

systolic adjective (sĭ-stŏl′ĭk)