Main Entry: stric·ture

Pronunciation: \ˈstrik-chər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin strictura, from Latin strictus, past participle

Date: 14th century

1 a : an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage; also : the narrowed part b : a constriction of the breath passage in the production of a speech sound
2 : something that closely restrains or limits : restriction <moral strictures>
3 : an adverse criticism : censure