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Definition of rectum

rectum

/ˈɹɛktəm/
rec · tum
Adverb:rectally
•
Plural:rectums
•
Adjective:rectal
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rectum Lexical Profile

rectum Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The final, relatively straight section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus, where fecal matter is stored before defecation.

Example

"During the gastroenterology lecture, the professor explained how the rectum connects the sigmoid colon to the anal canal."

• Rhymes for rectum

• Nearby Words

rector
rectorate
rectory
rectum
recuperate
recuperation
recuperative

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Medieval Latin rectum, short for intestinum rectum ('straight intestine'), a calque of the Ancient Greek anatomical term apeuthysmenon enteron, coined by Galen because this section of the bowel is relatively straight in certain dissected animals.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rectum. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 3, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rectum
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