sphincter

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Synonyms 1.2.2 Derived terms 1.2.3 Related terms 1.2.4 Translations 1.2.5 See also

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

From Late Latin sphincter, from Ancient Greek σφιγκτήρ (sphinktēr), “‘band, contractile muscle’”), from σφίγγω (sphingō), “‘I bind tight’”). Compare Sphinx, "the strangler".

[edit] Noun

sphincter (plural sphincters)

1. (anatomy) A ringlike band of muscle that surrounds a bodily opening, constricting and relaxing as required for normal physiological functioning.

[edit] Synonyms

• anatomical sphincter

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Related terms

• sphinx

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• cardia