| kick | A brisk mechanical stimulus. Atrial kick, the priming force contributed by atrial contraction immediately before ventricular systole to increase the efficiency of ventricular ejection due to increased preload. Idioventricular kick, the increased contractility of the initially contracting ventricular fibres which, by stretching the later contracting fibres, increases their force of contraction. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| kickapoos | <ethnology> A tribe of Indians which formerly occupied the region of Northern Illinois, allied in language to the Sacs and Foxes. Kickback. N. Recoil, of a gun or machine, as in older automobile engines when started by turning a crank. 2. A secret, and usually illegal, payment, by a recipient of money paid for goods or services, to a facilitator of the transaction, of a portion of that money. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| kickup | <zoology> The water thrush or accentor. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |