rectum

noun

rec·​tum ˈrek-təm How to pronounce rectum (audio)
plural rectums or recta ˈrek-tə How to pronounce rectum (audio)
: the terminal part of the intestine from the sigmoid colon to the anus

Examples of rectum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your bladder or the inner lining of the rectum are not yet impacted. Sherri Gordon, Health, 7 Sep. 2025 Toilets keep the rectum and pelvic floor unsupported compared to sitting in a chair, causing more pressure on rectal veins, according to the researchers. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025 The rectum can absorb about 20% of what your lungs can handle—not great, but better than nothing. Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2025 Getting screened can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, because almost all colorectal cancers begin as precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rectum

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectum was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rectum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectum. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

rectum

noun
rec·​tum ˈrek-təm How to pronounce rectum (audio)
plural rectums or recta -tə How to pronounce rectum (audio)
: the end of the large intestine that links the colon to the anus
rectal
-tᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

rectum

noun
rec·​tum ˈrek-təm How to pronounce rectum (audio)
plural rectums or recta -tə How to pronounce rectum (audio)
: the terminal part of the intestine from the sigmoid colon to the anus

More from Merriam-Webster on rectum

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