sphincter

[ sfingk-ter ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. a circular band of voluntary or involuntary muscle that encircles an orifice of the body or one of its hollow organs.

sphincter

/ ˈsfɪŋktə /

noun

1. anatomy a ring of muscle surrounding the opening of a hollow organ or body and contracting to close it

sphincter

/ sfĭngk′tər /

1. A ring-shaped muscle that encircles an opening or passage in the body. The opening and closing of the anus is controlled by contraction and relaxation of a sphincter, as is the opening that leads to the stomach from the esophagus.

Derived Forms

• ˈsphincteral, adjective

Other Words From

• sphincter·al sphinc·te·ri·al [sfingk-, teer, -ee-, uh, l], sphinc·ter·ic [sfingk-, ter, -ik], sphinc·ter·ate [sfingk, -ter-it, -t, uh, -reyt], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sphincter¹

1570–80; < Late Latin < Greek sphinktḗr, equivalent to sphing-, base of sphíngein to hold tight + -tēr suffix denoting agent

Word History and Origins

Origin of sphincter¹

C16: from Late Latin, from Greek sphinkter, from sphingein to grip tightly

Example Sentences

This can make your stomach produce more acid, and it can also relax the sphincter muscle between your stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acid to back up into your esophagus.

From Seattle Times

Normally the swallowing tube ends with a tight sphincter that stays closed to protect delicate tissue from the harsh acid of the stomach.

From New York Times

"When you sneeze or cough, there is a mechanical pressure from your belly that overwhelms the sphincter and you leak," she said.

From Science Daily

I seem to recall that this supplement acts by tightening the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus.

From Seattle Times

"This could only mean that the light activation of KCR2 and the acidification had activated the sphincter cell's own ion channels."

From Science Daily