constrictor
/kən'striktə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of snake: A constrictor is a large, non-venomous snake that kills its prey by coiling around it and squeezing tightly, causing suffocation or circulatory arrest.
- A muscle or structure that compresses: In anatomy, a constrictor is a muscle that narrows or compresses a passage or opening in the body.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Zoology):
- The boa constrictor is one of the most well-known constrictors.
- Constrictors, like pythons and anacondas, do not use venom to subdue their prey.
- Noun (Anatomy):
- The pharyngeal constrictor muscles are involved in swallowing.
Advanced Usage
- "Constructor snake": This is a common but redundant phrase; "constrictor" alone is sufficient to refer to this type of snake.
- The zoo has a new exhibit featuring several large constrictors.
- Used in technical/biological descriptions to specify the method of predation.
- The study focused on the feeding mechanics of various constrictor species.
Variants and Related Words
- Constrict (verb): To make narrower or tighter by squeezing or contracting.
- The snake will constrict its prey.
- Constriction (noun): The action of constricting or the state of being constricted.
- Death was caused by constriction of the airways.
- Constrictive (adjective): Serving to constrict.
- The bandage had a constrictive effect.
Synonyms
- Boa (specifically for snakes of the family Boidae).
- Squeezer (informal, non-technical).
- Compressor (more general, often for anatomical or mechanical contexts).
Related Phrases
- Constructor coil: Refers to the tightening coil a snake makes around its prey.
- The prey was trapped in the snake's powerful constrictor coil.
Related Idioms
- To be a constrictor: Used metaphorically to describe a person, situation, or force that feels suffocating or overly restrictive.
- His micromanaging style was a real constrictor on the team's creativity.
Noun
- any of various large nonvenomous snakes that kill their prey by crushing it in its coils