# rectum

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɹɛktəm/ · frequency rank #30,561

## Definitions
1. 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.

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

## Easily confused with
- **recur** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rectum-vs-recur)
- **rector** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rector-vs-rectum)
- **recoup** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/recoup-vs-rectum)
- **rectal** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rectal-vs-rectum)

## Common misspellings (9)
`erctum`, `rcetum`, `recctum`, `rectmu`, `recttum`, `rectumm`, `recutm`, `retcum`, `rrectum`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/rectum