rectal

adjective

rec·​tal ˈrek-tᵊl 

: 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

In the first study, 362 patients with rectal bleeding were offered free colonoscopies. — Caleb Hellerman, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Red may point to beets or, less benignly, hemorrhoids or rectal bleeding. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Kaczynski hanged himself after being diagnosed with late-stage rectal cancer — probably the most fitting final days of all time. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026

Anyone with symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or changes in bowel habits should talk to a doctor regardless of age. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rectal

• anorectal
• colorectal
• dialectal
• erectile
• projectile

Medical Definition

rectal

adjective

rec·​tal ˈrek-tᵊl 

: relating to, affecting, or being near the rectum

rectal bleeding

rectally

-ē 

adverb