sphincter Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a ring of muscle that contracts to close an opening
    sphincter muscle; anatomical sphincter.

WordNet

Sphinc"ter noun
Etymology
NL., fr. to bind tight.
Definitions
  1. (Anat.) A muscle which surrounds, and by its contraction tends to close, a natural opening; as, the sphincter of the bladder.
Sphinc"ter adjective
Definitions
  1. (Anat.) Of, pertaining to, or designating, a sphincter; as, a sphincter muscle.

Webster 1913