constrictor

[ kuhn-strik-ter ]

noun

1. a snake that kills its prey by coiling tightly around it, causing suffocation.
2. Anatomy. a muscle that constricts a hollow part of the body, as the pharynx.
3. a person or thing that constricts.

constrictor

/ kənˈstrɪktə /

noun

1. any of various nonvenomous snakes, such as the pythons, boas, and anaconda, that coil around and squeeze their prey to kill it
2. any muscle that constricts or narrows a canal or passage; sphincter
3. a person or thing that constricts

Word History and Origins

Origin of constrictor¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1700–10; constrict, -tor

Example Sentences

Visitors slid down the pole in “The Fire Cat,” slithered into the gullet of the boa constrictor in “Where the Sidewalk Ends” and lounged in a faux bubble bath in “Harry the Dirty Dog.”

From New York Times

When asked if boa constrictors, lizards, fish or other legally acquired pets met the definition, Haney said the bill was centered on “companion animals” such as dogs or cats.

From Los Angeles Times

The list of non-mammalian animals that made their way from south to north includes a boa constrictor, a crocodile and frogs.

From Science Daily

A few years later, when a group of vandals made off with a boa constrictor and a parrot named “Peanuts,” officials accused the perpetrators of stealing the animals for “voodoo rites.”

From Seattle Times

“Dominant teams,” Cronin said, “they can really snuff you out like a boa constrictor and then you just go get a layup, which we were able to do tonight.”

From Los Angeles Times