: the posterior opening of the digestive tract

Examples of anus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Takebe is working on a medical procedure that would allow people with respiratory problems to receive oxygen through their anuses. Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Feb. 2026 The odd-looking creature had two heads, two mouths and two anuses. Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024 Celebrating the unusual, scientists who discovered mammals can breathe through their anuses were among the winners. Daniel Wine, CNN, 17 Sep. 2024 Two of the cows also had their genitalia and anuses removed. Lana Ferguson, Dallas News, 23 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for anus

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of anus was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Anus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anus. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

anus

noun
: the lower or posterior opening of the alimentary canal

Medical Definition

anus

noun
plural anuses or ani ˈā-(ˌ)nī How to pronounce anus (audio)
: the posterior opening of the digestive tract

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