rectum
pronunciation
How to pronounce rectum in British English:
UK [ˈrektəm]
How to pronounce rectum in American English:
US [ˈrɛktəm]
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- Noun:
- the terminal section of the alimentary canal; from the sigmoid flexure to the anus
Word Origin
- rectum
- rectum: [16] Rectum is one of a range of words bequeathed to English by Latin rēctus ‘straight, correct’ (a distant relative of English right). Others include rectangle [16], rectify [14], and rectitude [15]. Rectum itself is short for rēctum intestīnum ‘straight intestine’ – a term contrasting the rectum with the convolutions of the remainder of the intestines.=> direct, rectify, rectitude, right
- rectum (n.)
- early 15c., from Latin intestinum rectum "straight intestine," in contrast to the convolution of the rest of the bowels, from neuter past participle of regere "to straighten" (see regal). A loan-translation of Greek apeuthysmeon enteron, "the name given to the lowest part of the large intestine by Galen, who so called it because he dissected only animals whose rectum (in contradistinction to that of man) is really straight" [Klein].
Example
- 1. The rectum and colon must be completely empty before surgery .
- 2. One end of a tube is gently inserted into the rectum .
- 3. In some cases , the rectum is damaged and stool leaks out .
- 4. Tissue between her vagina and rectum was ripped , and she developed a fistula .
- 5. A teacup , a grenade , a pair of glasses , a frozen pig 's tail and a peanut butter jar have all been removed from the male rectum by doctors .