anus

noun

ˈā-nəs 

: the posterior opening of the digestive tract

Examples of anus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Celebrating the unusual, scientists who discovered mammals can breathe through their anuses were among the winners. —Daniel Wine, CNN, 17 Sep. 2024

While often associated with vaginas, it's also done on anuses (which requires a lot of extra lube and preparation). —Sophie Saint Thomas, refinery29.com, 28 June 2024

Photo: Megan Madden People can be squeamish about putting big things inside of their vaginas or anuses, and rightfully so. —Sophie Saint Thomas, refinery29.com, 28 June 2024

In April 2019, the couple went to the wedding and on unsanctioned tours of farms owned by the Iowan state senator Ken Rozenboom, taking photos of pigs whose rectums were hanging out of their anuses. —Elizabeth Barber, Harper's Magazine, 12 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin ānus "ring, anus," perhaps going back to an Indo-European base *h₁eh₂n-o-, whence also, with different suffixation, Old Irish áinne "ring," Armenian anur, genitive-dative anroy "ring, necklace, collar"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

anus

noun

ˈā-nəs 

: the lower or posterior opening of the alimentary canal

Medical Definition

anus

noun

ˈā-nəs 

plural anuses or ani ˈā-(ˌ)nī 

: the posterior opening of the digestive tract