constrictor

American  

[kuhn-strik-ter] / kənˈstrɪk tər /

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.

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constrictor British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of constrictor

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

Example Sentences

"With the high accuracy and specificity of this testing for detecting invasive constrictor snakes, resource managers can implement effective management strategies, such as removal efforts, quickly and with confidence," Miller said.

From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2024

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 • Apr. 1, 2024

“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 • Jan. 14, 2024

“They are truly like a boa constrictor, and they do not beat themselves.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 7, 2023

The boa constrictor jabbed its tail at the sign again and Harry read on: This specimen was bred in the zoo.

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling