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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While colon cancer originates in the colon, rectal cancer begins in the rectum. — Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025 In fact, today’s young adults are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer—and four times as likely to be diagnosed with rectal cancer—as those born around 1950, research suggests. — Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025 Colorectal Cancer Is on the Rise in Younger Adults In 2024, there were over 100,000 new cases of colon cancer in the United States and almost 50,000 new cases of rectal cancer. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Jan. 2025 Jessica Acosta, a 30-year-old with stage 3 rectal cancer, tried meditation in the past but the practice never clicked. — Julia Ries, SELF, 4 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for rectal

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectal was in 1826

Rhymes for rectal

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Browse Nearby Words

rectal
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Cite this Entry

“Rectal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectal. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

rectal

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

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