Definition of stricture
1a : an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage; also : the narrowed partb : 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
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Examples of stricture in a sentence
the church's strictures on the morals and mores of contemporary society
the new zoning strictures effectively make further development along the riverfront commercially unviable
Did You Know?
Stricture has meant many things through the centuries, and its "restriction" meaning—probably the most common one today—is actually the most recent. High-school teachers often put strictures on texting during class. Cities concerned about their murder rate have slapped strictures on the possession of handguns. And the United Nations may vote to put strictures on arms sales to a country that keeps violating international treaties. With the meaning "strong criticism", stricture is slightly old-fashioned today, but it's still used by intellectuals. So, for example, an article may amount to a harsh stricture on the whole medical profession, or an art review may just express the critic's strictures on sentimental paintings of cute little houses with glowing windows.
Origin and Etymology of stricture
Middle English, from Late Latin strictura, from Latin strictus, past participle
First Known Use: 14th century
STRICTURE Defined for English Language Learners
stricture
playDefinition of stricture for English Language Learners
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: a law or rule that limits or controls something
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: a strong criticism
Medical Dictionary
stricture
playMedical Definition of stricture
: an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage (as from inflammation, cancer, or the formation of scar tissue) esophageal stricture; also : the narrowed part
Learn More about stricture
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See words that rhyme with stricture Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stricture Spanish Central: Translation of stricture Nglish: Translation of stricture for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stricture
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