sphincter
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Late Latin sphincter, from Ancient Greek σφιγκτήρ (sphinktēr, “band, contractile muscle”), from σφίγγω (sphingō, “I bind tight”). Compare sphinx, "the strangler".
Pronunciation [edit]
Noun [edit]
sphincter (plural sphincters)
- (anatomy) A ringlike band of muscle that surrounds a bodily opening, constricting and relaxing as required for normal physiological functioning.
- the sphincter of the bladder
- 1982, Lawrence Durrell, Constance (Faber & Faber, 2004: Avignon Quintet), page 836:
- She decided that she would force him to climax first by the sheer strength of her young animal control, the strength of her sphincters […]
- (in particular) The internal or external anal sphincter, to the extent these are distinguished as two separate entities.
Synonyms [edit]
Derived terms [edit]
Terms derived from the noun "sphincter"
Related terms [edit]
Translations [edit]
band of muscle
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