constrictor

noun

con·​stric·​tor kən-ˈstrik-tər How to pronounce constrictor (audio)
1
: a muscle that contracts a cavity or orifice or compresses an organ
2
: a snake (such as a boa constrictor) that coils around and compresses prey
3
: one that constricts

Examples of constrictor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The animals typically feed on fruits, seeds, nuts and invertebrates, the zoo added, and their main predators are large birds of prey, jaguars, ocelots and large constrictor snakes. Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 7 Oct. 2023 The nonvenomous 17-foot constrictor then tried to wrap herself around the sweating Kirkland, who slipped through coil after coil. Max G. Levy, WIRED, 18 Aug. 2023 An unwanted shopping partner:Boa constrictor snake found curled up in Target cart in Iowa New cart design liked by some, roll out unclear The condemnation was not universal, with some customers writing in praise of the cart. James Powel, USA TODAY, 31 Aug. 2023 Conservancy of Southwest Florida Burmese pythons are nonvenomous constrictors that have long been an invasive species in Florida, primarily living in and around the Everglades in South Florida. Li Cohen, CBS News, 13 July 2023 With its rib constrictor and a removable bladder (filled with water), the vest simulates the physical discomfort of pregnancy. Mike Austin, Car and Driver, 15 Apr. 2023 The 2-year-old sniffer dogs are the latest weapons in the battle against the destructive Burmese python, an exotic constrictor that’s devouring entire populations of small mammals, raiding wading bird nests and disrupting the natural balance of predator and prey. sun-sentinel.com, 11 Mar. 2021 Birds and mammals need a lot of oxygen to fuel their burning metabolisms, and a constrictor should be able to kill them in just a few minutes. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 18 Jan. 2012 Flickr/jinterwasWe all know that constrictor snakes, like pythons and boa constrictors, kill by squeezing their prey. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2015 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constrictor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constrictor was in 1735

Dictionary Entries Near constrictor

Cite this Entry

“Constrictor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constrictor. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

constrictor

noun
con·​stric·​tor kən-ˈstrik-tər How to pronounce constrictor (audio)
: a snake that kills its prey by coiling around and crushing it

Medical Definition

constrictor

noun
con·​stric·​tor -ˈstrik-tər How to pronounce constrictor (audio)
: a muscle that contracts a cavity or orifice or compresses an organ see inferior constrictor, middle constrictor, superior constrictor

More from Merriam-Webster on constrictor

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