sphincter
|sphinc-ter|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈsfɪŋk.tər/
🇬🇧
/ˈsfɪŋk.tə/
muscle closure
Etymology
Etymology Information
'sphincter' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'sphinktēr,' where 'sphingein' meant 'to bind tight.'
Historical Evolution
'sphinktēr' changed from the Greek word 'sphinktēr' and eventually became the modern English word 'sphincter'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to bind tight,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a muscle that can close a bodily passage.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a ring-like muscle that surrounds and can contract or close a bodily passage or opening.
The pyloric sphincter controls the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/11 19:20