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stricture

noun
stric·​ture | \ ˈstrik-chər How to pronounce stricture (audio) \

Definition of stricture

1a : an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage also : the narrowed part
b : a constriction of the breath passage in the production of a speech sound
2 : something that closely restrains or limits : restriction moral strictures
3 : an adverse criticism : censure
Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about stricture

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Did You Know?

Stricture has meant many things through the centuries, and its "restriction" meaning—probably the most common one today—is actually the most recent. High-school teachers often put strictures on texting during class. Cities concerned about their murder rate have slapped strictures on the possession of handguns. And the United Nations may vote to put strictures on arms sales to a country that keeps violating international treaties. With the meaning "strong criticism", stricture is slightly old-fashioned today, but it's still used by intellectuals. So, for example, an article may amount to a harsh stricture on the whole medical profession, or an art review may just express the critic's strictures on sentimental paintings of cute little houses with glowing windows.

Examples of stricture in a Sentence

the church's strictures on the morals and mores of contemporary society the new zoning strictures effectively make further development along the riverfront commercially unviable

Recent Examples on the Web

 The three-dimensional printing of organs is a challenge on Earth because printing the tiny structures inside organs requires scaffolding strictures to support the tissue shapes in Earth’s gravity. — Chabeli Herrera, orlandosentinel.com, "SpaceX plans to launch 5,000 pounds of cargo to ISS tonight. But storms may push it to August," 24 July 2019 Iran has attempted to evade those strictures, while also repeatedly threatening to shut down the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions aren’t lifted. — Ryan Dezember, WSJ, "Middle East Clashes Send Oil Sharply Higher," 20 June 2019 The three-dimensional printing of organs is a challenge on Earth because printing the tiny structures inside organs requires scaffolding strictures to support the tissue shapes in Earth’s gravity. — Chabeli Herrera, orlandosentinel.com, "SpaceX is sending dozens of crucial science experiments to the ISS — and Nickelodeon slime," 18 July 2019 So many of its characters remain recognizable—blustering desperadoes, who believe in their right to act outside the law and then impose rules and strictures on others. — Rachel Syme, The New Republic, "The Outlaw World of Deadwood," 6 June 2019 Removing conscious control can liberate the imagination; imposing strictures gives it something to bash against, building up muscle by enlarging the effort. — Luc Sante, Harper's magazine, "A Crew of Variegated Weirdos," 10 Jan. 2019 Philip is also the last of the royals to have a certain freedom despite the strictures of his gilded cage as the monarch’s consort. — Juliet Rieden, Town & Country, "At 98, Prince Philip Is the Last of the Old-School Royals," 10 June 2019 The decision raises fears of a showdown between the Italian coalition and European Union officials, who would like the government to remain within the EU’s spending strictures. — Daniel Kruger, WSJ, "U.S. Government Bonds Rally as Global Stocks Fall," 23 Oct. 2018 The men and the few women who came to the UpStairs Lounge were, in many ways, trapped by societal strictures. — New York Times, "A Fire Killed 32 at a New Orleans Gay Bar. This Artist Didn’t Forget.," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stricture.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of stricture

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for stricture

Middle English, from Late Latin strictura, from Latin strictus, past participle

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More Definitions for stricture

stricture

noun
How to pronounce stricture (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of stricture

formal
: a law or rule that limits or controls something
: a strong criticism

See the full definition for stricture in the English Language Learners Dictionary

stricture

noun
stric·​ture | \ ˈstrik-chər How to pronounce stricture (audio) \

Medical Definition of stricture

: an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage (as from inflammation, cancer, or the formation of scar tissue) esophageal stricture also : the narrowed part

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