rectum

American  

[rek-tuhm] / ˈrɛk təm /

noun

Anatomy.

rectums, plural recta plural

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

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rectum British  

/ ˈrɛktəm /

noun

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

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rectum Scientific  

/ rĕk′təm /

rectums plural

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.

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of rectum

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

Example Sentences

The BBC has discovered that all of Dr Dixon's papers in the journal Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, now have an 'expressions of concern' in the relevant papers in Colorectal Disease.

From BBC • May 12, 2025

Rectum: a chamber, variable in size and form, just within the anus, in which the excretions are formed or molded for expulsion from the body:= cloaca.

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

Rectum sui et obliqui index: And here the application being made, there is a discovery of the falsehood and crookedness of most men's hearts.

From The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning by Binning, Hugh

Three likewise; viz. the Cœcum, the Colon, and the Rectum.

From The Compleat Surgeon or, the whole Art of Surgery explain'd in a most familiar Method. by Le Clerc, Charles Gabriel

Rectum, 278. protrusion of, 287. treatment of, ib.

From The Dog by Dinks