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.
Eisner said the proposal was partially inspired by his own health care experience having rectal cancer 15 years ago. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025 That's when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes at Massachusetts General. Karen Fratti, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025 For example, all 12 patients in a 2022 clinical trial testing one type of immunotherapy had their rectal cancer completely disappear, without remission or adverse effects. Deborah Fuller, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025 The youngster’s injuries were severe — compression fractures on his neck and upper back, a subdural hematoma, ligament injuries in his neck, rectal bleeding, a laceration to his pancreas and other intestinal and abdominal injuries, prosecutors said. Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rectal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectal. Accessed 18 Apr. 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
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