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.
To monitor Ham while in orbit, a number of sensors were attached to him, including a rectal thermometer probe that was inserted about 8 inches into his rectum, according to a report published after the research. Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025 Internal exams, like a digital rectal or pelvic exam, may be recommended so your healthcare provider can feel for a tumor in your bladder.13 Diagnostic tests for bladder cancer include:10 Urinalysis: A healthcare provider looks for blood, protein, bacteria, and other substances in a urine sample. Steffini Stalos, Health, 25 Jan. 2025 Colorectal Cancer Symptoms The common symptoms are changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, bright red rectal bleeding, dark blood in stool, cramps, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 Possible symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and belly pain. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near rectal

Cite this Entry

“Rectal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectal. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!