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

Colorectal cancer develops in the tissues of the colon or rectum and is the third most common cancer in the United States (excluding skin cancers). —Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

Van Der Beek said he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer—a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum—and was planning on doing a feature interview with People magazine about, but was forced to reveal it sooner than planned. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum, which make up the large intestine (or large bowel). —Claire Franken, TVLine, 3 Nov. 2024

Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2024

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

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