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

The symptoms happen because of inflammation in the colon and rectum. — Health Editorial Team, HEALTH, 29 Oct. 2026

By the time of his sentencing in January, the cancer had progressed to stage 4 and spread to his liver, lungs and rectum, another defense attorney, Mark Wykoff, said. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026

By the time of the sentencing, the cancer had progressed to Stage 4 and spread to his liver, lungs and rectum. — Ava Kelley, NBC news, 31 July 2026

Fecal impaction occurs when a large amount of hard stool becomes trapped in the rectum. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 10 June 2026

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