a. (and sb.) [ad. L. anastomōtic-us, a. Gr. ἀναστομωτικ-ός pertaining to opening, f. ἀναστομό-ειν: see prec. In sense 1 often written anastomatic, with reference to Gr. στοματικός pertaining to the mouth.]
† 1. (As in Latin) Applied to medicines designed to open the mouths of vessels. Also used subst. Obs.
1657. Physical Dict., Anastomaticum, medicine opening obstructions.
1706. Phillips, Anastomoticks, medicines that open and widen the Orifices of the Vessels, so as to cause the Blood to circulate freely and pass easily out of the Arteries into the Veins: or Medicines which serve to open the Pores and Passages.
1721. Bailey, Anastomaticks … as Purgatives, Sudorificks, and Diureticks.
1839. Hooper, Med. Dict., 101. Anastomotic, a term anciently applied to medicines which were supposed to open the mouths of vessels.
2. Pertaining to or forming anastomosis; providing intercommunication.
1836. Todd, Cycl. Anat. & Phys., I. 97/2. By … the enlargement of the anastomotic branches, the whole system of the circulation is gradually being altered. Ibid. (1847–9), IV. 450/2. The anastomotic distribution of the bile-ducts.
