cloaca
nounUK /kləʊ̯ˈeɪ̯.kə/ · CA, US /kloʊ̯ˈeɪ̯.kə/
Etymology Borrowed from Latin cloāca (“sewer”), related to cluō (“cleanse; purge”), but the derivation is uncertain.
1
Figuratively, Sometimes A sewer.
- The Thames, polluted with the filthy effusions of the cloacae.1773, Gentleman's Magazine, number 43, page 598:
- […] that tremendous cloaca of Pauperism […]
1 more example
- After working an hour, I began to speculate on the distance one had to go before the cloaca was reached the chances we had of missing it altogether.1898, H.G. Wells, The War of the Worlds, London: William Heinemann, page 266:
2
Anatomy, Biology, Medicine, Natural sciences, Sciences, Zoology The opening in reptiles, amphibians and birds, as well as elasmobranchians, lobe-finned fishes, and monotreme mammals, which serves as the common outlet for the urogenital ducts and rectum.
- In birds the rectum, at the termination of its canal, forms an oval or elongated pouch […] and then expands into a cavity, which has been named cloaca.1822, John Mason Good, The Study of Medicine, volume I, page 7:
3
An outhouse or lavatory.
- To every house […] a cloaca.1840, Frederick Marryat, chapter XXIV, in Olla Podrida:
- Only think of that cloaca being supplied daily with such dainty bibliographical treasures!1880, William Blades, The Enemies of Books, page 55:
- Across this shell [sc. of bone] small holes are eaten, by which the matter escapes, and which are called cloacae (Weidmann).1846, Joseph François Malgaigne, translated by Frederick Brittan, Manual of Operative Surgery, page 172:
5
Embryology, Medicine, Sciences Structure in the embryo during the development of the reproductive and urinary systems.
- Synonyms
- see: sewer, see: vent, bathroom
- Derived terms
- cloacal, cloacinal, cloacitis, persistent cloaca
- Hypernyms
- external genitalia