'stricture' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'strictura', where the root 'strict-' (from Latin 'stringere') meant 'to draw tight'.

'stricture' passed into Middle English from Late Latin 'strictura' (noun of action from 'strictus', past participle of 'stringere') and was used in Middle English with senses related to tightening or constraining before developing its modern senses.

Initially, it meant 'a drawing tight' or physical constriction; over time it evolved into meanings of 'a restriction' and 'a severe critical remark', and retained a specialized medical sense of 'narrowing'.