anal

play

adjective \ˈā-n^əl\

Definition of anal

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 ¹oral 3) and during which the child is concerned especially with its fecesb : 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

play \-n^əl-ē\ adverb

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First Known Use: 1769

See Words from the same year

abbreviation

play

adjective

adjective \ˈā-n^əl\

play

adjective \ˈān-^əl\

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, 2001b: 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 3, oral 3, phallic 2