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

The lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax, making swallowing solids or liquids impossible. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 20 Dec. 2024

That’s when the brain will send signals that relax the urethral sphincter muscle and make the bladder muscles contract to squeeze urine out, Kim said. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024

The inside of your butt is very sensitive, and cool water can cause cramping among your sphincter and abdominal muscles. —Matt Baume, Them, 30 Nov. 2024

That’s because straining yourself to push tightens the sphincters and puts extra pressure on the pelvic muscles and bladder, making urine hard to release. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 26 Nov. 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