n. [ Pref. a- not + systole. ] (Physiol.) A weakening or cessation of the contractile power of the heart. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Physiol.) Contraction of only one ventricle of the heart. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ Hemisystole is noticed in rare cases of insufficiency of the mitral valve, in which both ventricles at times contract simultaneously, as in a normal heart, this condition alternating with contraction of the right ventricle alone; hence, intermittent hemisystole. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Pref. peri- + systole: cf. F. périsystole. ] (Physiol.) The interval between the diastole and systole of the heart. It is perceptible only in the dying. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ NL., fr. Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to contract;