# rectal

/ˈɹɛktəɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈɛktəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rectal
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

relating to the rectum, which is the part of the body where waste is stored before it leaves the body.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.