sphincter

[ sfingk-ter ]

nounAnatomy.

a circular band of voluntary or involuntary muscle that encircles an orifice of the body or one of its hollow organs.

Origin of sphincter

1570–80; <Late Latin <Greek sphinktḗr, equivalent to sphing-, base of sphíngein to hold tight + -tēr suffix denoting agent

Other words from sphincter

sphinc·ter·al, sphinc·te·ri·al [sfingk-teer-ee-uhl], /sfɪŋkˈtɪər i əl/, sphinc·ter·ic [sfingk-ter-ik], /sfɪŋkˈtɛr ɪk/, sphinc·ter·ate [sfingk-ter-it, -tuh-reyt], /ˈsfɪŋk tər ɪt, -təˌreɪt/, adjective

Words Nearby sphincter

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use sphincter in a sentence

As for the cable anchors, their faces are the upper body equivalent of a failed sphincter nerve.
Why the World Trusted Walter | Lee Siegel | July 19, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST
Introduce the bulb of an ordinary clinical thermometer, well greased with vaseline, just within the sphincter ani.
The Elements of Bacteriological Technique | John William Henry Eyre
This sphincter opens automatically only in connection with the act of swallowing.
Physiology | Ernest G. Martin
Four or more sutures may be passed in this way, a final one bringing the cut ends of the sphincter ani together.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4) | Various
Cases in which the perineum is apparently intact, but in which the sphincter is not united (Figs. 35, 36).
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4) | Various

If, however, the sphincter is intact and serviceable the fistula should be pared and the edges brought together by silk sutures.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4) | Various

British Dictionary definitions for sphincter

sphincter

/ (ˈsfɪŋktə) /

noun

anatomy a ring of muscle surrounding the opening of a hollow organ or body and contracting to close it

Origin of sphincter

C16: from Late Latin, from Greek sphinkter, from sphingein to grip tightly

Derived forms of sphincter

sphincteral, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for sphincter

sphincter

[ sfĭngk′tər ]

A ring-shaped muscle that encircles an opening or passage in the body. The opening and closing of the anus is controlled by contraction and relaxation of a sphincter, as is the opening that leads to the stomach from the esophagus.

Browse