sphincter
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for sphincter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A ring of muscle around a body opening that tightens or relaxes to control what passes through it.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Late Latin sphinctēr, from Ancient Greek σφιγκτήρ (sphinktḗr, "band, contractile muscle") — possibly related to "sphinx," meaning roughly "the strangler."
Full origin of sphincter →Frequently asked questions
What does “sphincter” mean?
The word “sphincter” means a ring of muscle around a body opening that tightens or relaxes to control what passes through it. In plain terms, a ring-shaped muscle that opens and closes a body passage.
How do you pronounce “sphincter”?
“Sphincter” is pronounced SFIHNGK-t (/ˈsfɪŋk.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sphincter” in a sentence?
Here is “sphincter” used in a sentence: “The anal sphincter controls the release of waste from the body.”
What part of speech is “sphincter”?
“Sphincter” is a noun.
Where does the word “sphincter” come from?
The word “sphincter” comes from Ancient Greek. A learned borrowing from Late Latin sphinctēr, from Ancient Greek σφιγκτήρ (sphinktḗr, "band, contractile muscle") — possibly related to "sphinx," meaning roughly "the strangler.".