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

—

diastolic

play \ˌdī-ə-ˈstä-lik\ adjective

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Recent Examples of diastole from the Web

For us this was diastole; the condition of the heart when it's fully dilated with blood just before it's ejected with a heart contraction to the body.

— jennifer nalewicki, Smithsonian, "The Painstaking Process of Preserving a 400-Pound Blue Whale Heart," 21 July 2017
For us this was diastole; the condition of the heart when it's fully dilated with blood just before it's ejected with a heart contraction to the body.

— jennifer nalewicki, Smithsonian, "The Painstaking Process of Preserving a 400-Pound Blue Whale Heart," 21 July 2017
For us this was diastole; the condition of the heart when it's fully dilated with blood just before it's ejected with a heart contraction to the body.

— jennifer nalewicki, Smithsonian, "The Painstaking Process of Preserving a 400-Pound Blue Whale Heart," 21 July 2017
For us this was diastole; the condition of the heart when it's fully dilated with blood just before it's ejected with a heart contraction to the body.

— jennifer nalewicki, Smithsonian, "The Painstaking Process of Preserving a 400-Pound Blue Whale Heart," 21 July 2017
For us this was diastole; the condition of the heart when it's fully dilated with blood just before it's ejected with a heart contraction to the body.

— jennifer nalewicki, Smithsonian, "The Painstaking Process of Preserving a 400-Pound Blue Whale Heart," 21 July 2017
For us this was diastole; the condition of the heart when it's fully dilated with blood just before it's ejected with a heart contraction to the body.

— jennifer nalewicki, Smithsonian, "The Painstaking Process of Preserving a 400-Pound Blue Whale Heart," 21 July 2017
For us this was diastole

— jennifer nalewicki, Smithsonian, "The Painstaking Process of Preserving a 400-Pound Blue Whale Heart," 21 July 2017
For us this was diastole; the condition of the heart when it's fully dilated with blood just before it's ejected with a heart contraction to the body.

— jennifer nalewicki, Smithsonian, "The Painstaking Process of Preserving a 400-Pound Blue Whale Heart," 22 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diastole.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of diastole

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1578

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

diastole

noun di·as·to·le \ dī-ˈas-tə-(ˌ)lē \

medical Definition of diastole

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

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

—

diastolic

play \ˌdī-ə-ˈstäl-ik\ adjective

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Britannica English: Translation of diastole for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diastole

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diastole

Definition of diastole

diastolic

Recent Examples of diastole from the Web

Origin and Etymology of diastole

Medical Dictionary

diastole

medical Definition of diastole

diastolic

Learn More about diastole

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diastole

Definition of diastole

diastolic

Recent Examples of diastole from the Web

Origin and Etymology of diastole

Medical Dictionary

diastole

medical Definition of diastole

diastolic

Learn More about diastole

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