Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

rectum

/ˈɹɛktəm/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.96 in modern English

Syllables: rec-tum
IPA: /ˈɹɛktəm/

10

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

2

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The terminal part of the large intestine through which feces pass after exiting the colon, but before leaving the body through the anus or cloaca.

Example Sentences

"Using an alcohol enema involves placing a small tube into someone’s rectum and pouring alcohol into the colon. Because the alcohol is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, the recipient gets drunk faster."

Etymology

Borrowed from New Latin rectum, clipping of Latin rectum intestinum (literally “the straight intestine”), rectum, neuter of rectus (“straight”). See right.

Origin

Source language: Latin

Word Breakdown

Root: *h₃reǵ-, rectum, rectum intestinum

Inflected Forms

recta (plural) rectums (plural)

Derived Forms

anorectum colorectum megarectum mesorectum neorectum rectal

Phrases

per rectum vas rectum latus rectum nomen rectum

Frequently Paired Words

latus rectum nomen rectum

Questions

How do you pronounce rectum?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈɹɛktəm/.
What does rectum mean?: The terminal part of the large intestine through which feces pass after exiting the colon, but before leaving the body through the anus or cloaca.
Where does rectum come from?: It is traced to Latin.

How to pronounce rectum

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “rectum”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈɹɛktəm/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “rectum”.
Repeat and practice — Say “rectum” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.