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.
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 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

Dictionary Entries Near rectum

Cite this Entry

“Rectum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectum. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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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