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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
Colorectal cancer, per the American Cancer Society, starts in the colon or the rectum, which together make up the large intestine in the digestive system.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 Nov. 2024
Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 28 Nov. 2024
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, while ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
Because the colon and rectum are both parts of the large bowel, cancer of the colon or rectum is sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer.
—Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024
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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
Phrases Containing rectum
Dictionary Entries Near rectum
Cite this Entry
“Rectum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectum. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on rectum
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rectum
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