sphincter
noun
sphinc·ter ˈsfiŋ(k)-tər 
: an annular muscle surrounding and able to contract or close a bodily opening
sphincteric
sfiŋ(k)-ˈter-ik
adjective 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Nicotine and alcohol also weaken this sphincter, as can some other medications, including some used for bladder spasm (like Ditropan), depression (antidepressants like amitriptyline) and pain (opioids like hydrocodone). 
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 18 Mar. 2022 Your muscles relax—all of them, down to your sphincter—which leads to things like free-flowing urine and feces. Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 4 Apr. 2022 The lower esophageal sphincter, which acts as a muscular valve to prevent acid from going into the esophagus, is weakened by calcium blockers. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 18 Mar. 2022 So that your urine can be released out of your body, the sphincter muscles around the urethra relax. Jessica Migala, Health.com, 22 Feb. 2022 But if your lower esophageal sphincter is malfunctioning for some reason, those acids can bubble their way back up into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation. Elizabeth Millard, SELF, 19 Oct. 2021 There are several options, but one of the most effective and reliable treatments is an artificial urinary sphincter. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 17 Apr. 2021 There are several options, but one of the most effective and reliable treatments is an artificial urinary sphincter. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 17 Apr. 2021 There are several options, but one of the most effective and reliable treatments is an artificial urinary sphincter. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 17 Apr. 2021 See More
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 18 Mar. 2022 Your muscles relax—all of them, down to your sphincter—which leads to things like free-flowing urine and feces. Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 4 Apr. 2022 The lower esophageal sphincter, which acts as a muscular valve to prevent acid from going into the esophagus, is weakened by calcium blockers. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 18 Mar. 2022 So that your urine can be released out of your body, the sphincter muscles around the urethra relax. Jessica Migala, Health.com, 22 Feb. 2022 But if your lower esophageal sphincter is malfunctioning for some reason, those acids can bubble their way back up into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation. Elizabeth Millard, SELF, 19 Oct. 2021 There are several options, but one of the most effective and reliable treatments is an artificial urinary sphincter. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 17 Apr. 2021 There are several options, but one of the most effective and reliable treatments is an artificial urinary sphincter. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 17 Apr. 2021 There are several options, but one of the most effective and reliable treatments is an artificial urinary sphincter. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 17 Apr. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Late Latin, from Greek sphinktēr, literally, band, from sphingein to bind tight
First Known Use
1578, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
sphincter
noun
sphinc·ter ˈsfiŋ(k)-tər
: an annular muscle surrounding and able to contract or close a bodily opening see anal sphincter, cardiac sphincter, precapillary sphincter, pyloric sphincter
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