Peristole
/ˈpɛrɪstoʊl/noun
A contraction or constriction of a hollow organ, especially the rhythmic contraction of the digestive tract.
Did you know?Peristole comes from the same Greek sending-and-arranging root found in words such as “epistle” and “apostle,” linking anatomy to the ancient metaphor of things being ‘sent’ or ‘placed’ around.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*stel-
“To put, place, or arrange”
Ancient Greek
Greek
stellō (στέλλω)
“To send, equip, arrange, or set in place”
Ancient Greek
Greek
peristellō (περιστέλλω)
“To wrap around, encircle, or constrict”
Ancient Greek
Greek
peristolē (περιστολή)
“A wrapping around; contraction or constriction”
Late Greek and Latin
Greek/Latin
peristolē / peristole
“A bodily constriction or contraction”
17th Century
English
peristole
“A medical term for contraction or constriction of an organ”
Modern English
English
peristole
“Rhythmic contraction, particularly in the digestive tract”