noun

sphincter

SFIHNGK-t

Sphincter (noun) means a ring of muscle around a body opening that tightens or relaxes to control what passes through it. Example: “The anal sphincter controls the release of waste from the body.”

noun

A ring of muscle around a body opening that tightens or relaxes to control what passes through it.

"The anal sphincter controls the release of waste from the body."

How to use sphincter

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA ring-shaped muscle that opens and closes a body passage.

When to use it

A clinical/anatomical term, mostly used in medical contexts.

Word forms

sphincters plural, sphincteres plural

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The anal _____ controls the release of waste from the body.

Etymology

A learned borrowing from Late Latin sphinctēr, from Ancient Greek σφιγκτήρ (sphinktḗr, "band, contractile muscle") — possibly related to "sphinx," meaning roughly "the strangler."

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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sphincter muscle anatomical 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.".