the dilatation of the chambers of the heart that follows each contraction, during which they refill with blood
Compare systole
Derived forms
diastolic (ˌdaɪəˈstɒlɪk)
adjective
Word origin
C16: via Late Latin from Greek: an expansion, from diastellein to expand, from dia- + stellein to place, bring together, make ready
diastole in American English
(daɪˈæstəˌli)
noun
the usual rhythmic dilatation of the heart, esp. of the ventricles, following each contraction (systole), during which the heart muscle relaxes and the chambers fill with blood
Derived forms
diastolic (ˌdiaˈstolic) (ˌdaɪəˈstɑlɪk)
adjective
Word origin
LL < Gr diastolē, expansion, dilatation < diastellein, to separate, dilate < dia-, apart + stellein, to put: see locus