constrictor
(kənˈstrɪktə(r))
[a. L. constrictor, agent-n. from constringĕre, constrict-: see constringe.]
One who or that which constricts.
1. Anat. A muscle which draws together or narrows a part. (Frequent in the L. names of individual muscles.)
| [1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Constrictor Labiorum, a Muscle that encompasses the lips with orbicular or round Fibres.] a 1735 Arbuthnot, etc. Mart. Scrib. (J.), He supposed the constrictors of the eye-lids must be strengthened in the supercilious. 1839 Todd Cycl. Anat. II. 220 b. 1872 Mivart Elem. Anat. 288 The constrictors of the pharynx. |
| attrib. 1836 Todd Cycl. Anat. I. 16 a, A great constrictor muscle. 1878 Foster Phys. ii. i. §2. 212 The sympathetic therefore acts as a constrictor nerve. |
2. Surg. An instrument for producing constriction; a compressor.
| 1882 Syd. Soc. Lex., Constrictor of Herbiniaux..to tighten the ligature placed around the neck of a tumour. |
3. A large snake which crushes its prey; a
boa-constrictor.
| a 1845 Hood Knt. & Dragon xxxvii, That gorged serpent they call the constrictor. |