rectum
noun/ˈɹɛktəm/ · /ˈɹɛkˌtʌm/
Etymology Borrowed from New Latin rectum, clipping of Latin rectum intestinum (literally “the straight intestine”), rectum, neuter of rectus (“straight”). See right.
1
Anatomy, Medicine, Sciences 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 September 26, Jacque Wilson, “Experts: Alcohol enemas ‘extremely dangerous’”, in CNN:
- Derived terms
- anorectum, colorectum, megarectum, mesorectum, neorectum, per rectum, rectal, vas rectum
- Related terms
- latus rectum, nomen rectum