sphincter Hear it!

sphincter definition

sphinc·ter (sfiŋk′tər)

noun

Anat. a ring-shaped muscle that surrounds a natural opening in the body and can open or close it by expanding or contracting

Etymology: LL < Gr sphinktēr < sphingein, to draw close < IE *spheig- < base *spēi-, to flourish, grow thick > speed, spare

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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