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.
The researchers collected stool samples, rectal swabs, rectal tissue, and blood samples before and after the intervention. New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2025 In a Swedish study, a low dose of aspirin was shown to slash recurrence in half for patients with colon and rectal cancer whose tumors had a specific type of genetic mutation. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025 During a female rectal exam, a doctor can feel the space and organs between the uterus and rectum to check for abnormalities. Mark Gurarie, Health, 12 Sep. 2025 Potential symptoms could include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, blood in the stool, rectal bleeding and constipation, per the ACS. Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 2 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 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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