anus

noun

ˈā-nəs 

: the posterior opening of the digestive tract

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin ānus "ring, anus," perhaps going back to an Indo-European base *h₁eh₂n-o-, whence also, with different suffixation, Old Irish áinne "ring," Armenian anur, genitive-dative anroy "ring, necklace, collar"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anus

• grayness
• greyness
• heinous
• janus
• planus
• calanus
• pandanus

Kids Definition

anus

noun

ˈā-nəs 

: the lower or posterior opening of the alimentary canal

Medical Definition

anus

noun

ˈā-nəs 

plural anuses or ani ˈā-(ˌ)nī 

: the posterior opening of the digestive tract