sphincter

noun

sphinc·​ter ˈsfiŋ(k)-tər 

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

sphincteric

sfiŋ(k)-ˈter-ik 

adjective

Examples of sphincter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This includes the urethral sphincters, a pair of muscular valves that regulate urine flow from the bladder to the urethra. —Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 15 July 2024

This procedure involves wrapping the stomach's upper portion to the esophagus's lower end, helping strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to reduce acid reflux. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 13 July 2024

For this, the detrusor muscle must contract forcefully to expel urine, while the sphincter muscles surrounding the urethra simultaneously relax to let urine flow out. —Emily Underwood, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2024

Both sizes offer neck spirals, helping to keep lube trapped inside your sphincter for many hours at a time. —Emma Lowrie, Miami Herald, 23 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sphincter

noun

sphinc·​ter ˈsfiŋ(k)-tər 

: a ringlike muscle surrounding a body opening that is able to make the opening smaller or close it

Medical Definition

sphincter

noun

sphinc·​ter ˈsfiŋ(k)-tər 

: an annular muscle surrounding and able to contract or close a bodily opening see anal sphincter, cardiac sphincter, precapillary sphincter, pyloric sphincter

sphincteral

-t(ə-)rəl 

adjective