rectum

noun

rec·​tum ˈrek-təm 

plural rectums or recta ˈrek-tə 

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

Examples of rectum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, in November 2019, doctors were forced to remove additional organs and body parts, including her greater omentum, gallbladder, spleen, large bowel, womb, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and rectum, according to The Mirror. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 25 May 2025

Mariam had lost an arm to amputation after an air strike, and shrapnel had slashed a hole between her bladder and her rectum. —Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025

Gonorrhea can cause infection in the genitals, rectum and throat and often has no symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025

Sores, Bumps, or Lesions: Any unexpected sores, bumps, or blisters on or around your genitals, mouth or rectum could be a sign of an STD like herpes or syphilis. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rectum

• latus rectum

Rhymes for rectum

• tectum

Kids Definition

rectum

noun

rec·​tum ˈrek-təm 

plural rectums or recta -tə 

: the end of the large intestine that links the colon to the anus

rectal

-tᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

rectum

noun

rec·​tum ˈrek-təm 

plural rectums or recta -tə 

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