What does "rectum" mean?

The terminal part of the large intestine through which feces pass after exiting the colon, but before leaving the body through the anus or cloaca.

What is a synonym for "rectum"?

Common synonyms include: abdomen, anus, appendix, arse, arsehole, asscunt.

Rectum

//ˈɹɛktəm// noun

noun ·Uncommon ·College level

Definitions

Noun

1
The terminal part of the large intestine through which feces pass after exiting the colon, but before leaving the body through the anus or cloaca.
"Using an alcohol enema involves placing a small tube into someone’s rectum and pouring alcohol into the colon. Because the alcohol is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, the recipient gets drunk faster."
2
the terminal section of the alimentary canal; from the sigmoid flexure to the anus wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms

abdomen anus appendix arse arsehole asscunt

Example

More examples

"The doctor will examine the pelvis and rectum to feel for any blockages."

Etymology

Borrowed from New Latin rectum, clipping of Latin rectum intestinum (literally “the straight intestine”), rectum, neuter of rectus (“straight”). See right.

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.