rectum

noun

rec·​tum ˈrek-təm How to pronounce rectum (audio)
plural rectums or recta ˈrek-tə How to pronounce rectum (audio)
: the terminal part of the intestine from the sigmoid colon to the anus

Examples of rectum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Getting screened can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, because almost all colorectal cancers begin as precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025 Colon and rectum cancers increased 23.6%, pancreatic cancer increased 15%, stomach cancer increased 13.3% and esophagus cancer increased 12.8%. Colon and rectum 23.6% Pancreas 15.4 Stomach 13.3 Esophagus 12.8 Notes: Data for adults younger than age 50. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 17 July 2025 As one of his final official acts, Murthy released a 2025 advisory that connects alcohol consumption with at least seven types of cancers, including breast, mouth and throat, colon and rectum, and liver cancers. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025 Interestingly, chimpanzees in a different group at the sanctuary started demonstrating the same behavior more than a decade later, with some also inserting objects into their rectums. Jack Guy, CNN Money, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rectum

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from rectum intestinum, literally, straight intestine

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rectum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectum. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

rectum

noun
rec·​tum ˈrek-təm How to pronounce rectum (audio)
plural rectums or recta -tə How to pronounce rectum (audio)
: the end of the large intestine that links the colon to the anus
rectal
-tᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

rectum

noun
rec·​tum ˈrek-təm How to pronounce rectum (audio)
plural rectums or recta -tə How to pronounce rectum (audio)
: the terminal part of the intestine from the sigmoid colon to the anus

More from Merriam-Webster on rectum

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