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Definition of sphincter noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

sphincter

noun
 
/ˈsfɪŋktə(r)/
 
/ˈsfɪŋktər/
(anatomy)
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  1. a ring of muscle that surrounds an opening in the body and can become tight to close it
    • the anal sphincter
    Topics Bodyc2
    Word Originlate 16th cent.: via Latin from Greek sphinktēr, from sphingein ‘bind tight’.
See sphincter in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
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