Main Entry: sphinc·ter

Pronunciation: \ˈsfiŋ(k)-tər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Late Latin, from Greek sphinktēr, literally, band, from sphingein to bind tight

Date: 1578

: an annular muscle surrounding and able to contract or close a bodily opening

— sphinc·ter·ic \sfiŋ(k)-ˈter-ik\ adjective