English Explanatory Dictionary

sphincter

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A ringlike band of muscle that surrounds a bodily opening (such as the anus or the openings of the stomach), constricting and relaxing as required for normal physiological functioning.

Pronunciation

/ˈsfɪŋk.tɚ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-sphincter.wav

Word forms

sphincter sphincters sphincteres

Etymology

Etymology tree Late Latin sphinctērlbor. English sphincter Learned borrowing from Late Latin sphinctēr (“the muscle of the anus”), from Ancient Greek σφῐγκτήρ (sphĭnktḗr, “lace, band; contractile muscle”), ultimately of Pre-Greek origin. Possibly related to sphinx (“the strangler”).

Related words

sphinx cardia

Derived words

sphincteral sphincteralgia sphincter boy sphincteric sphinctero- sphincterotome sphincterotomy
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