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Synonyms

rectal

American  
[rek-tl] / ˈrɛk tl /

adjective

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


rectal British  
/ ˈrɛktəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the rectum

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of rectal

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ask the authors of the 2023 study titled “Digital Rectal Examination Is Not a Useful Screening Test for Prostate Cancer.”

From Slate • Aug. 17, 2024

Rectal bleeding is associated with a fivefold increased risk of colorectal cancer, according to the new analysis, which looked at 81 studies that included nearly 25 million adults under 50 from around the world.

From New York Times • May 24, 2024

Rectal cancer patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center faced the prospect of grueling procedures and chemotherapy treatments but were pleasantly surprised when a drug from GlaxoSmithKline completely eradicated their cancer.

From Washington Times • Jun. 7, 2022

Rectal swabs from 13 tested positive for coronaviruses, including one described in Nature Communications on 9 February 2021.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 13, 2022

Rectal glands: appendages to or thickenings of the rectum secreting a lubricating material.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.