rectum

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noun rec·tum \ ˈrek-təm \

Definition of rectum

plural rectums or recta play \-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

A Florida man hid over $1,000 in cash inside his rectum after he was pulled over Saturday in car full of drugs and drug paraphernalia, deputies said.

— tiffini theisen, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Florida man hides $1,000 in rectum after traffic stop reveals drugs, baby in car: report," 28 Aug. 2017
To explain: His co-workers got the big ol’ armchair for Tanner back in 2014, to make sitting down a little less of a pain, following surgery to remove a cantaloupe-sized tumor between his rectum and his prostate.

— théoden janes, charlotteobserver, "Rob Tanner is laughing on the outside, but hurting everywhere else," 23 Aug. 2017
As for adults, many still use it around their genitals or rectum to prevent chafing or sweating, says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive services at Yale School of Medicine.

— Health.com, "Can Using Baby Powder Down There Really Cause Cancer?," 22 Aug. 2017
This involves inflammation from the rectum, through the lower colon, and into the descending colon.

— korin miller, SELF, "How to Know If Your Bathroom Issues Are Actually Ulcerative Colitis," 7 Aug. 2017
After having three surgeries to remove his large intestine and rectum, linebacker Michael Mauti is getting another chance to play in the NFL.

— josh katzenstein, NOLA.com, "Michael Mauti re-signs with Saints on one-year deal after offseason surgeries," 24 July 2017
Howard and two other white football players had been accused of shoving a coat hanger into the rectum of a mentally disabled black teammate in a locker room in October 2015.

— nathan brown, idahostatesman, "Idaho judge got heat for Dietrich rape case decision, but panel says he’s in the clear," 10 July 2017
Almost all colorectal cancers start out as a benign colon polyp, a clump of cells that forms on the lining of your colon or rectum, says Dr. Grady.

— alisa hrustic, Fox News, "5 man-killing cancers you might not spot until it's too late," 23 June 2017
Unscathed (for reasons beyond my ken) include baptisia, clematis recta, and of course the sturdy-as-stone conifers.

— bonnie blodgett, Twin Cities, "Blundering Gardener: This week’s worry? Bugs and blight," 17 June 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

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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

play

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

play

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

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Origin and Etymology of rectum

RECTUM Defined for English Language Learners

rectum

Definition of rectum for English Language Learners

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rectum

Definition of rectum for Students

Medical Dictionary

rectum

medical Definition of rectum

Illustration of rectum

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