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

Abdominal pain/cramping Blood in or on the stool Chronic constipation and/or diarrhea Feeling full without eating much Feeling like there is more stool in the rectum after a bowel movement (tenesmus) Not wanting to eat Weakness or fatigue Weight loss What Are the Causes and Risk Factors? —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025

Colorectal cancer starts with small clumps of cells called polyps, a type of tissue growth that develops on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. —George Petras, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 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

Colon and rectum cancers increased 23.6%, pancreatic cancer increased 15%, stomach cancer increased 13.3% and esophagus cancer increased 12.8%. Colon and rectum 23.6% Pancreas 15.4 Stomach 13.3 Esophagus 12.8 Notes: Data for adults younger than age 50. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 17 July 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