sphincter
noun
sphinc·ter
ˈsfiŋ(k)-tər 
: an annular muscle surrounding and able to contract or close a bodily opening
Examples of sphincter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ginger can ease stomach pressure by reducing gas and bloating, which might otherwise cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to open.
—
Lauren O'Connor, Health, 21 Oct. 2025
One reason is that the lower esophageal sphincter—a muscular valve between your esophagus and stomach—may weaken over time.4 This can result in stomach acid or food backing up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 15 Sep. 2025
It was first described in 1985, caused by the sphincter's failure to relax and allow urine to pass, according to the Bladder and Bowel Community.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
Plus, there are critical nerves that run alongside the prostate and are in charge of the sphincter muscle, which closes the bladder and keeps urine contained.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sphincter
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Lauren O'Connor, Health, 21 Oct. 2025
One reason is that the lower esophageal sphincter—a muscular valve between your esophagus and stomach—may weaken over time.4 This can result in stomach acid or food backing up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 15 Sep. 2025
It was first described in 1985, caused by the sphincter's failure to relax and allow urine to pass, according to the Bladder and Bowel Community.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
Plus, there are critical nerves that run alongside the prostate and are in charge of the sphincter muscle, which closes the bladder and keeps urine contained.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sphincter
Cite this Entry
“Sphincter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sphincter. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sphincter
noun
sphinc·ter
ˈsfiŋ(k)-tər
: a ringlike muscle surrounding a body opening that is able to make the opening smaller or close it
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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