contraction of the heart, during which blood is pumped into the aorta and the arteries that lead to the lungs
Compare diastole
Derived forms
systolic (sɪˈstɒlɪk)
adjective
Word origin
C16: via Late Latin from Greek sustolē, from sustellein to contract; see systaltic
systole in American English
(ˈsɪstəˌli)
noun
the usual rhythmic contraction of the heart, esp. of the ventricles, following each dilatation (diastole), during which the blood is driven onward from the chambers
see also diastole
Derived forms
systolic (sysˈtolic) (sɪsˈtɑlɪk)
adjective
Word origin
ModL < Gr systolē < systellein, to draw together: see systaltic