What does rectal mean?
Rectal is an adjective meaning “relating to the rectum,” the final section of the large intestine. It appears in medical and anatomical contexts such as rectal examinations, rectal bleeding, rectal cancer, and the measurement of body temperature through the rectum. In ordinary conversation, a rectal temperature may simply be described as a temperature taken “rectally,” while other uses tend to retain the clinical register of examination or diagnosis. Although the word can sound blunt because it refers directly to part of the anatomy, it is precise and standard in healthcare, where it distinguishes an anatomical location or method without euphemism. Rectal is not synonymous with anal in every context: although both concern the body's posterior region, rectal more specifically refers to the rectum and structures directly associated with it.
adjectiveRelating to or affecting the rectum, the final part of the large intestine.
- Relating to, involving, or affecting the rectum.
"The clinician recommended a rectal examination to investigate the patient's symptoms."
"Rectal bleeding can be a sign of several different medical conditions."
"The nurse measured the patient's temperature rectally."
The word's distant relative, Latin rectus, means “straight,” a reminder that the rectum was originally described by shape rather than function.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rectal come from?
Rectal derives from the Latin adjective rectalis, meaning “of or pertaining to the rectum.” The English noun rectum comes through Medieval Latin from Latin rectus, meaning “straight,” originally referring to the straight course of the intestinal passage. The same root also underlies words such as rectify, rectitude, correct, and direct.
Related word forms
How rectal is actually used
Rectal is a clinical and anatomical term. It is used in medicine, healthcare, and formal descriptions of examinations, procedures, symptoms, and body parts.
Easily confused with rectal
Rectal is an adjective relating to the rectum, while rectum is a noun naming the terminal part of the large intestine.