Medical Definition of superior constrictor
: a 4-sided muscle of the pharynx that arises from the posterior and medial parts of the pterygoid plate, from the pterygomandibular raphe, from the alveolar process above the end of the mylohyoid line, and from the side of the tongue, that inserts into the median line at the back of the pharynx, and that acts to constrict part of the pharynx in swallowing
— called also constrictor pharyngis superior, superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle
— compare inferior constrictor, middle constrictorTest Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quizWords of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizTrue or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quizWord Winder's CrossWinder Play the game
Share superior constrictor