systole
noun
sys·to·le
ˈsi-stə-(ˌ)lē 
: a rhythmically recurrent contraction
especially
: the contraction of the heart by which the blood is forced out of the chambers and into the aorta and pulmonary artery compare diastole
Examples of systole in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At systole, when the heart contracts, the valves at the bases of the great vessels (pulmonic and aortic) open, while those between the atria and ventricles (tricuspid and mitral) close.
—
Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 18 June 2022
The systole of the pandemic presented other opportunities, however.
—A Universe, Vulture, 19 May 2022
Instead, the participants responded more fearfully to all the shapes that were presented at systole.
—Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 18 June 2022
The systole of the pandemic presented other opportunities, however.
—A Universe, Vulture, 19 May 2022
Instead, the participants responded more fearfully to all the shapes that were presented at systole.
—Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2020
Cite this Entry
“Systole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/systole. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
systole
noun
sys·to·le
ˈsis-tə-lē
: the contraction of the heart by which the blood is forced onward and the circulation kept up compare diastole
Medical Definition
systole
noun
sys·to·le
ˈsis-tə-(ˌ)lē
: the contraction of the heart by which the blood is forced onward and the circulation kept up compare diastole sense 1
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share