rectum

American  

[rek-tuhm] / ˈrɛk təm /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

rectums, recta

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

---

rectum British  

/ ˈrɛktəm /

noun

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

---

rectum Scientific  

/ 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 Cultural  

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of rectum

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

Example Sentences

Colorectal cancer is a term for cancer originating in the colon or rectum.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

You’re also at risk of developing hemorrhoids—swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum that can cause pain and bleeding—according to a study that came out last week.

From Slate • Sep. 12, 2025

In severe cases, patients may require surgical removal of all or part of the rectum.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2024

According to the NHS, external-link ulcerative colitis - which Fitzwater admits he had never heard of - is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2024

The procedure wasn't effective because the rectum and large intestine absorbed few nutrients from the mixture, not enough to sustain a man.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow