constrictor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Scientific, Formal
Quick answer
What does “constrictor” mean?
A muscle or organ that tightens or compresses a body part.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A muscle or organ that tightens or compresses a body part; primarily, a type of snake that kills by coiling around and squeezing its prey.
Any person, thing, or force that applies pressure or restricts movement, growth, or freedom.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical. Connotations are neutral in technical contexts, slightly negative in metaphorical use (restriction).
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used almost exclusively in zoological, anatomical, or metaphorical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “constrictor” in a Sentence
[NP] + be + a constrictor[NP] + act as a constrictor on [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “constrictor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The muscle will constrict the airway.
- Fear can constrict one's thinking.
American English
- The snake constricted its prey.
- Tight regulations constrict economic growth.
adverb
British English
- The band tightened constrictively.
- N/A
American English
- The pipe narrows constrictively.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The constrictor force was measured.
- He felt a constrictor grip on his arm.
American English
- The constrictor muscles are involuntary.
- They studied constrictor snake behaviour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; metaphorically for regulations or market forces that restrict growth: 'The new tariffs acted as a constrictor on trade.'
Academic
Common in biology and anatomy: 'The superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle was examined.'
Everyday
Almost exclusively refers to the snake type, often in the phrase 'boa constrictor.'
Technical
Precise zoological/anatomical term; also used in fluid dynamics for a narrowing pipe section.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “constrictor”
- Misspelling as 'constricter' (less common).
- Confusing with 'constructor' (a builder).
- Using as a general synonym for 'snake' (it is a specific type).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Constrictors like boas and pythons kill by squeezing (constriction), not by injecting venom.
Yes. In anatomy, it refers to muscles that tighten body passages. It can also metaphorically describe anything that restricts or applies pressure.
'Constrict' implies physically tightening or compressing (like a snake). 'Restrict' is broader, meaning to limit or confine (like rules).
It is pronounced /kənˈstrɪktər/ in American English and /kənˈstrɪktə(r)/ in British English, with the primary stress on the second syllable: con-STRIC-tor.
A muscle or organ that tightens or compresses a body part.
Constrictor is usually technical, scientific, formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to feel like a constrictor (metaphor for tightness or restriction)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONstrictor' as a snake that CONstricts (tightens) its coils around its CON (with) prey.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE IS A CONSTRICTOR (e.g., 'Anxiety was a constrictor around his chest.')
Practice
Quiz
In an anatomical context, a 'constrictor' most likely refers to: