rectal
adj. C1 Advanced US //ˈɹɛktəɫ// UK //ɹˈɛktəl// rec·tal
adj. relating to the rectum, which is the part of the body where waste is stored before it leaves the body.
adj. relating to the rectum or the anus. Often used in medical contexts to describe the location of a procedure or the nature of a physical examination.
The doctor performed a rectal examination to check for health issues.
The patient reported rectal bleeding after the procedure, which the surgeon explained was a common side effect.
In clinical practice, a rectal temperature is often taken when a patient is unable to have their mouth or ear examined due to severe illness or trauma.
From rectum + -al.