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 What’s the cause of colon cancer? Dr. John Whyte: Colon cancer, like other cancers, arises from the uncontrolled growth and division of cells in the colon or rectum. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 Mar. 2024 That whole situation, where the physician inserts a gloved finger in and around your rectum, seemed uncomfortable and embarrassing. Julia Ries, SELF, 11 Mar. 2024 Many cancers can both produce back pain, including cancers of the spine and rectum, as well as others such as ovarian and stomach cancer. Taylyn Washington-Harmon, Health, 16 Dec. 2023 Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections, however, can be localized in the throat, urogenital area or rectum. Benjamin Ryan, NBC News, 26 Nov. 2023 The first is reservoir incontinence and involves a disease of the rectum. Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 Infection can occur in the genitals, the rectum, and the throat. Helen Branswell, STAT, 1 Nov. 2023 In February 2021, Shaw-James, a 70-year-old retired nurse, was diagnosed with stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum. Catherine Garcia, The Week, 24 July 2023 Your pelvic floor is comprised of the muscles that support the organs in the pelvis (bladder, rectum, and uterus), according to UpToDate. Tiffany Ayuda, Health, 12 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rectum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near rectum

Cite this Entry

“Rectum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectum. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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