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Webster 1913 Edition


Sphincter

Sphinc′ter

,
Noun.
[NL., fr. [GREEK][GREEK][GREEK] to bind tight.]
(Anat.)
A muscle which surrounds, and by its contraction tends to close, a natural opening;
as, the
sphincter
of the bladder
.

Sphinc′ter

,
Adj.
(Anat.)
Of, pertaining to, or designating, a sphincter;
as, a
sphincter
muscle
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Sphincter

SPHINC'TER

,
Noun.
In anatomy, a muscle that contracts or shuts; as the sphincter labiorum; sphincter vesica.

Definition 2024


sphincter

sphincter

English

Noun

sphincter (plural sphincters)

  1. (anatomy) A ringlike band of muscle that surrounds a bodily opening, constricting and relaxing as required for normal physiological functioning.
    the sphincter of the bladder
    the iris sphincter in the eye
    • 1982, Lawrence Durrell, Constance (Faber & Faber, 2004: Avignon Quintet), page 836:
      She decided that she would force him to climax first by the sheer strength of her young animal control, the strength of her sphincters []
    1. (in particular) The internal or external anal sphincter, to the extent these are distinguished as two separate entities.

Synonyms

  • anatomical sphincter

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

See also