sphincter

noun sphinc·ter \ˈsfiŋ(k)-tər\

medical : a ring-shaped muscle that surrounds a body opening and that can tighten to close the opening

Full Definition of SPHINCTER

: an annular muscle surrounding and able to contract or close a bodily opening

— sphinc·ter·ic \sfiŋ(k)-ˈter-ik\ adjective

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Late Latin, from Greek sphinktēr, literally, band, from sphingein to bind tight

First Known Use: 1578

Medical Dictionary

noun sphinc·ter \ˈsfiŋ(k)-tər\

: an annular muscle surrounding and able to contract or close a bodily opening—see anal sphincter, cardiac sphincter, precapillary sphincter, pyloric sphincter

—sphinc·ter·al \-t(ə-)rəl\ adjective

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