diastole

noun di·as·to·le \dī-ˈas-tə-(ˌ)lē\

Definition of DIASTOLE

: a rhythmically recurrent expansion; especially : the dilatation of the cavities of the heart during which they fill with blood

— di·a·stol·ic \ˌdī-ə-ˈstä-lik\ adjective

See diastole defined for kids

Greek diastolē dilatation, from diastellein to expand, from dia- + stellein to prepare, send

First Known Use: circa 1578

Medical Dictionary

noun di·as·to·le \dī-ˈas-tə-(ˌ)lē\

: the passive rhythmical expansion or dilation of the cavities of the heart during which they fill with blood—compare systole

: the rhythmical expansion of a pulsating vacuole (as of an ameba)

—di·a·stol·ic \ˌdī-ə-ˈstäl-ik\ adjective

Next Word in the Dictionary: diastolic blood pressurePrevious Word in the Dictionary: diastimeterAll Words Near: diastole

What made you want to look up diastole? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears