rectal

adjective

rec·​tal ˈrek-tᵊl How to pronounce rectal (audio)
: relating to, affecting, or being near the rectum
rectal walls
rectal cancer
rectally adverb

Examples of rectal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web It may be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer depending on where the cancer originates. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 May 2024 People who dread the thought of a colonoscopy may soon get a less invasive option to screen for colon and other rectal cancers. Bruce Gil, Quartz, 23 May 2024 Most of these cancers are rectal cancer in young people, and the treatment for rectal cancer often involves surgery. Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 20 May 2024 For example, the C.I.A. had forced Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, who is accused of being the architect of the hijackings, to talk to interrogators through waterboarding, rectal abuse, shackling while nude and other brutality. Charlie Savage, New York Times, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for rectal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rectal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectal was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near rectal

Cite this Entry

“Rectal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectal. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.

Medical Definition

rectal

adjective
rec·​tal ˈrek-tᵊl How to pronounce rectal (audio)
: relating to, affecting, or being near the rectum
rectal bleeding
rectally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on rectal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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