rectal

[ rek-tl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or for the rectum.

rectal

/ ˈrɛktəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the rectum

Derived Forms

• ˈrectally, adverb

Other Words From

• rectal·ly adverb
• post·rectal adjective
• pre·rectal adjective
• sub·rectal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectal¹

First recorded in 1870–75; rect(um) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Osinoff denied that Cox had attempted to examine her uterus rectally, saying he had told the patient that he could do such an exam, which she declined.

From Los Angeles Times

Colon and rectal cancer rates have risen among younger adults as rates have declined among older people, who are far more likely to get colonoscopies that can catch cancers and precancerous lesions called polyps.

From New York Times

In the United States, about 150,000 people are diagnosed with colon and rectal cancers annually, and about 53,000 are expected to die this year.

From New York Times

Department of Health and Human Services now requires consent for breast, pelvic, prostrate and rectal exams for “educational and training purposes” performed by medical students, nurse practitioners or physician assistants.

From Seattle Times

The team found that certain bacterial species, including Staphylococcus, were associated with the presence of lung lesions, higher rectal temperature, and viral loads, while others, such as Lactobacillus and Megasphaera, had the opposite effect.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• abdominal