rectal

adjective

rec·​tal ˈrek-tᵊl How to pronounce rectal (audio)
: relating to, affecting, or being near the rectum
rectal walls
rectal cancer
rectally adverb

Examples of rectal 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.
But in 2020, John was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Colleen Murphy, Health, 17 Oct. 2025 The most accurate temperature readings come from oral (mouth), tympanic (ear) or rectal thermometers. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025 The research found that, among adults under 50 who underwent colonoscopy for any reason, those with rectal bleeding had an 850 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer compared with people without this symptom. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Oct. 2025 These include urine tests, a digital rectal exam (DRE), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and a prostate biopsy. Md Published, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rectal

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectal was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Rectal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

rectal

adjective
rec·​tal ˈrek-tᵊl How to pronounce rectal (audio)
: relating to, affecting, or being near the rectum
rectal bleeding
rectally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on rectal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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