First Known Use: 1578
Dictionary
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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Origin of SPHINCTER
Late Latin, from Greek sphinktēr, literally, band, from sphingein to bind tight
Medical Dictionary
sphincter
noun sphinc·ter \ˈsfiŋ(k)-tər\
Medical Definition of SPHINCTER
: 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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