constrictor Hear it!

constrictor Definition

con·stric·tor (-strik′tər)

noun

something that constricts; specif.,
  1. a muscle that contracts a cavity or opening, or compresses an organ
  2. a snake that kills by coiling around its prey and squeezing, thereby making breathing impossible

Etymology: ModL

constrictor Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • keep: The first priority in keeping large constrictors is to make sure they are under strict control at all times.

Preposition: in

  • act: It was a picture of a boa constrictor in the act of swallowing an animal.

Adjective modifier

  • large: The first priority in keeping large constrictors is to make sure they are under strict control at all times.

Modifies a noun

  • muscle: The pharynx can be shut off completely from the buccal cavity by action of well developed constrictor muscles ( Kastelein et al 1991 ).

Noun used with modifier

  • boa: Our boa constrictors need feeding only once a month, for example.