rectum
[ rek-tuh m ]
/ ˈrɛk təm /
noun, plural rec·tums, rec·ta [rek-tuh] /ˈrɛk tə/. Anatomy.
the comparatively straight, terminal section of the intestine, ending in the anus.
Origin of rectum
1535–45; < New Latin
rēctum (
intestīnum) the straight (intestine)
Words nearby rectum
Example sentences from the Web for rectum
British Dictionary definitions for rectum
rectum
/ (ˈrɛktəm) /
noun plural -tums or -ta (-tə)
the lower part of the alimentary canal, between the sigmoid flexure of the colon and the anus
Word Origin for rectum
C16: shortened from New Latin
rectum intestinum the straight intestine
Medical definitions for rectum
rectum
[ rĕk′təm ]
n. pl. rec•tums
The terminal portion of the large intestine, extending from the sigmoid flexure to the anal canal.
Scientific definitions for rectum
rectum
[ rĕk′təm ]
Plural rectums recta
The last section of the digestive tract, extending from the colon to the anus, in which feces is stored for elimination from the body.
Other words from rectum
rectal adjectiveCultural definitions for rectum
rectum
The outermost portion of the large intestine. Feces are stored in the rectum until they are passed out of the body through the anus.