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 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
Colorectal cancer, per the American Cancer Society, starts in the colon or the rectum, which make up the large intestine in the digestive system.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rectum 
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.
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
Colorectal cancer, per the American Cancer Society, starts in the colon or the rectum, which make up the large intestine in the digestive system.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rectum
Dictionary Entries Near rectum
Cite this Entry
“Rectum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectum. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share