rectum

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.

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. - 2012...

Origin

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

Forms

recta rectums

Related

latus rectum nomen rectum

Derived

anorectum colorectum megarectum mesorectum neorectum per rectum rectal vas rectum