plural rectums or recta
ˈrek-tə 
: the terminal part of the intestine from the sigmoid colon to the anus
Examples of rectum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To monitor Ham while in orbit, a number of sensors were attached to him, including a rectal thermometer probe that was inserted about 8 inches into his rectum, according to a report published after the research.
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Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
Brian, a young male bonobo located at the Milwaukee Zoo who was isolated from his peers reportedly responded by tearing off his own fingernails and developing a habit of compulsively inserting his hand into his rectum, sometimes enough to draw blood.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025
The disease can affect the colon and rectum and can weaken the body, leading to possible life-threatening complications.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Try an enema: An enema can be used to loosen stool in the rectum for occasional relief.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 28 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rectum 
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Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
Brian, a young male bonobo located at the Milwaukee Zoo who was isolated from his peers reportedly responded by tearing off his own fingernails and developing a habit of compulsively inserting his hand into his rectum, sometimes enough to draw blood.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025
The disease can affect the colon and rectum and can weaken the body, leading to possible life-threatening complications.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Try an enema: An enema can be used to loosen stool in the rectum for occasional relief.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 28 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rectum
Dictionary Entries Near rectum
Cite this Entry
“Rectum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectum. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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