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.
In the necropsy lab, Alyssa cut each monkey’s gastrointestinal tract from rectum to esophagus, picked it up with triple-gloved hands, and weighed it — part of their standard protocol for collecting and preserving tissues after dissection. Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025 They are caused by bacteria usually on the skin or rectum entering the bladder via the urethra (the tube through which urine enters the body), mostly commonly from bacteria on the skin or rectum.3 UTIs can affect people of all ages and sexes. Matthew Wosnitzer, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025 Colorectal cancer, per the American Cancer Society, starts in the colon or the rectum, which make up the large intestine in the digestive system. Colson Thayer, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025 Aggressive artificial breeding has previously killed at least one panda, burned the rectum of another and caused vomiting and injuries in others, the report said. Nectar Gan, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rectum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectum. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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

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