Per`i*stal"tic (?), a. [Gr. &?; clasping and compressing, fr. &?; to surround, wrap up; &?; round + &?; to place, arrange: cf. F. péristaltique.] (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.