rectum

[ rek-tuhm ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural rec·tums, rec·ta [rek, -t, uh].

1. the comparatively straight, terminal section of the intestine, ending in the anus.

rectum

/ ˈrɛktəm /

noun

1. the lower part of the alimentary canal, between the sigmoid flexure of the colon and the anus

rectum

/ rĕk′təm /

, Plural rectums

1. The last section of the digestive tract, extending from the colon to the anus, in which feces is stored for elimination from the body.

rectum

1. The outermost portion of the large intestine . Feces are stored in the rectum until they are passed out of the body through the anus .

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectum¹

1535–45; < New Latin rēctum ( intestīnum ) the straight (intestine)

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectum¹

C16: shortened from New Latin rectum intestinum the straight intestine

Example Sentences

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum, both of which are part of the large intestine, and can also be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where it originated.

From Los Angeles Times

One patient alleged that after a Pap smear decades ago, Brock inserted his finger into her rectum without warning or consent.

From Los Angeles Times

A Spanish-speaking detainee at California’s McFarland immigrant detention facility was struggling in May 2023 to tell a doctor, in broken English, that he sometimes bled from his rectum.

From Los Angeles Times

In the exam, the physician inserts a finger in a patient’s rectum and presses against the prostate from the back.

From Slate

Emma now has an ileostomy, as well as colitis and bladder problems, and is awaiting colon and rectum removal.

From BBC