SINCE 1828
anal
adjective
\ ˈā-nᵊl
\
\
Definition of anal
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: of, relating to, situated near, or involving the anus
an anal fin
2 psychoanalytic theory
a
: of, relating to, characterized by, or being the stage of psychosexual development which follows the oral stage (see oral entry 1 sense 3) and during which the child is concerned especially with his or her feces
b
: of, relating to, characterized by, or being personality traits (such as parsimony, meticulousness, and ill humor) considered typical of fixation at the anal stage of development : anal-retentive
an anal disposition
—often used in nontechnical contexts to describe someone as extremely or excessively neat, careful, or precise I have a mania for neatness in some matters that is almost anal.— Joseph Heller
anal
abbreviationKeep scrolling for more
Other Words from anal
Adjective
anally
\ -nᵊl-ē
\
adverb
\
adverb
Examples of anal in a Sentence
Adjective
He can be pretty anal about keeping his office neat.Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Many high-end spas have started offering vaginal and anal bleaching, from laser treatments to specialized peels to lighten the area. — E.j. Dickson, Vox, "The dangerous rise of vaginal lightening," 6 Dec. 2018 The sphincter is a very important part of our anal area for being able to hold poop in. — Blake Bakkila, Health.com, "Here's What Chrissy Teigen Meant When She Said 'Life Is 90% Better When You Don't Rip to Your Butthole' During Childbirth," 22 May 2018 Those who have more advanced anal cancer might notice swollen lymph nodes in their groin. — Korin Miller, SELF, "‘Desperate Housewives’ Star Marcia Cross Reveals She’s in Recovery After Anal Cancer Treatment," 28 Sep. 2018 The drawings — made on plastic plates — show a man hanging naked from chains while he is being subjected to electric shocks, another inmate on the floor surrounded by snarling dogs as several people kick him, and graphic depictions of anal rape. — Maggie Michael, Fox News, "In Yemen, 46 detainees released from UAE-controlled prison," 4 July 2018 With vaginal deliveries, there is a real possibility not only of vaginal tearing, but pelvic floor problems that can manifest as urinary incontinence, anal sphincter injury and fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. — Kavin Senapathy, SELF, "Giving Birth Made Me Question the Informed Consent Process During Childbirth," 14 May 2018 The drawings — made on plastic plates — show a man hanging naked from chains while he is being subjected to electric shocks, another inmate on the floor surrounded by snarling dogs as several people kick him, and graphic depictions of anal rape. — Maggie Michael, Fox News, "In Yemen, 46 detainees released from UAE-controlled prison," 4 July 2018 The drawings — made on plastic plates — show a man hanging naked from chains while he is being subjected to electric shocks, another inmate on the floor surrounded by snarling dogs as several people kick him, and graphic depictions of anal rape. — Maggie Michael, Fox News, "In Yemen, 46 detainees released from UAE-controlled prison," 4 July 2018 The drawings — made on plastic plates — show a man hanging naked from chains while he is being subjected to electric shocks, another inmate on the floor surrounded by snarling dogs as several people kick him, and graphic depictions of anal rape. — Maggie Michael, Fox News, "In Yemen, 46 detainees released from UAE-controlled prison," 4 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for anal
anal
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of anal
biology
: of, relating to, or located near the anus
informal
: extremely or overly neat, careful, or precise
See the full definition for anal in the English Language Learners Dictionary
anal
adjective
\ ˈā-nᵊl\
Kids Definition of anal
: relating to the anus
anal
adjective
\ ˈān-ᵊl
\
\
Medical Definition of anal
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: of, relating to, or situated near the anus
the anal opening anal fissures
2a
: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory that follows the oral stage and during which a child derives libidinal gratification from the expulsion and retention of the feces and conflict arises from parental demands regarding toilet training
During the anal stage, from about 18 months to 3 years, the sphincter muscles become sensitive and controllable and bowel and bladder retention and elimination become a source of gratification.— David G. Myers, Psychology, 2001
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by personality traits (as orderliness, frugality, and obstinacy) considered typical of fixation at the anal stage of development : anal-retentive
—often used in nontechnical contexts to describe someone as extremely or excessively neat, careful, or precise
— compare genital sense 3, oral sense 3, phallic sense 2
Other Words from anal
anally
\ -ᵊl-ē
\
adverb
\
adverb
anal
abbreviationKeep scrolling for more
Comments on anal
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