rectum

noun rec·tum \ ˈrek-təm \

Updated on: 24 Apr 2018

Definition of rectum

plural rectums or recta play \ˈrek-tə\

: the terminal part of the intestine from the sigmoid colon to the anus

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Recent Examples of rectum from the Web

The final title designated bin Salman as second in line for the crown, behind his 55-year-old cousin Mohammed bin Nayef, who famously survived an attack by an al-Qaeda prisoner who detonated a suicide bomb hidden inside his own rectum.

— karl vick, Time, "The Saudi Crown Prince Thinks He Can Transform the Middle East. Should We Believe Him?," 5 Apr. 2018
One of the most common things that doctors find is ice in or near the rectum.

— terry demio, Cincinnati.com, "She OD'd, so they packed her in ice. 'Your friends almost killed you.’," 18 Mar. 2018
Toys for anal play have either a flared or ringed base, preventing it from disappearing up the rectum.

— gigi engle, Marie Claire, "Everything You Need to Know About Anal Foreplay," 29 Sep. 2017
Gonorrhea can cause infections in the genitals, rectum and throat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

— lauren castle, azcentral, "U.K. man contracts drug-resistant gonorrhea; Arizona sees rise in cases," 6 Apr. 2018
In the process, many gymnasts were led to believe that Nassar using his fingers to penetrate their vaginas and rectums was a necessary, and routine, part of their osteopathic care.

— mark alesia, Indianapolis Star, "Larry Nassar: The making of a monster who abused gymnasts for decades," 8 Mar. 2018
Another choice is flexible sigmoidoscopy, which allows doctors to check the inner lining of the rectum and the lower colon.

— trihealth, Cincinnati.com, "The screening you shouldn’t avoid," 26 Feb. 2018
To reach the prostate, lubricate a finger and gently put it up the man's rectum.

— Redbook, "33 Sexy Places to Touch Your Guy," 30 Oct. 2017
Trying an enema before anal play can expel any waste from the rectum, but that's totally up to you, too.

— gigi engle, Marie Claire, "Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Strap-Ons, Explained," 25 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rectum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of rectum

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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RECTUM Defined for English Language Learners

rectum

noun

Definition of rectum for English Language Learners

medical : the end of the tube in your body that helps digest food : the last part of the large intestine

RECTUM Defined for Kids

rectum

noun rec·tum \ ˈrek-təm \

Definition of rectum for Students

plural rectums also recta \-tə\

: the last part of the large intestine

Medical Dictionary

rectum

noun rec·tum \ ˈrek-təm \

medical Definition of rectum

plural rectums or recta play \-tə\

: the terminal part of the intestine from the sigmoid colon to the anus

Illustration of rectum

Learn More about rectum

Spanish Central: Translation of rectum Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rectum

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rectum

Definition of rectum

Recent Examples of rectum from the Web

Origin and Etymology of rectum

RECTUM Defined for English Language Learners

rectum

Definition of rectum for English Language Learners

RECTUM Defined for Kids

rectum

Definition of rectum for Students

Medical Dictionary

rectum

medical Definition of rectum

Illustration of rectum

Learn More about rectum

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rectum

Definition of rectum

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Origin and Etymology of rectum

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rectum

Definition of rectum for English Language Learners

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rectum

Definition of rectum for Students

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rectum

medical Definition of rectum

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