Sphincter

['sfɪŋktə] or ['sfɪŋktɚ]

Definition

(noun.) a ring of muscle that contracts to close an opening.

Typed by Hiram--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A muscle which surrounds, and by its contraction tends to close, a natural opening; as, the sphincter of the bladder.

(a.) Of, pertaining to, or designating, a sphincter; as, a sphincter muscle.

Typist: Maxine

Definition

n. (anat.) a muscle that contracts or shuts an orifice or opening which it surrounds—around the anus &c.—adjs. Sphinc′terāte provided with a sphincter contracted as if by a sphincter; Sphinctē′rial Sphincter′ic relating to a sphincter or its function.—n. Sphincterot′omy the operation of cutting a sphincter.

Checked by Jeannette