adj
systolic
Systolic (adj) means relating to systole, the phase when the heart contracts and pumps blood. Example: “His systolic blood pressure reading was slightly higher than normal.”
adj
1
Relating to systole, the phase when the heart contracts and pumps blood.
"His systolic blood pressure reading was slightly higher than normal."
How to use systolic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes the heart-contraction phase measured in a blood pressure reading — the higher of the two numbers.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
systolic pressure
systolic blood pressure
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like systolic.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ blood pressure reading was slightly higher than normal.
Etymology
From "systole" plus the adjective suffix "-ic," ultimately from Ancient Greek systole.
Rhymes for systolic
colic
frolic
anabolic
Catholic
symbolic
apostolic
alcoholic
metabolic
parabolic
workaholic
melancholic
See all rhymes for systolic →
Frequently asked questions
What does “systolic” mean?
The word “systolic” means relating to systole, the phase when the heart contracts and pumps blood. In plain terms, describes the heart-contraction phase measured in a blood pressure reading — the higher of the two numbers.
How do you use “systolic” in a sentence?
Here is “systolic” used in a sentence: “His systolic blood pressure reading was slightly higher than normal.”
What part of speech is “systolic”?
“Systolic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “systolic” come from?
The word “systolic” comes from Ancient Greek. From "systole" plus the adjective suffix "-ic," ultimately from Ancient Greek systole.
