The word "rectum" refers to the final section of the large intestine in the human body, connecting the colon to the anus. It serves as a temporary storage site for feces before they are expelled from the body. The rectum plays a critical role in the digestive system by facilitating the elimination of waste.
The term "rectum" comes from the Latin word "rectus," which means "straight." This reflects the relatively straight shape of the rectum compared to other parts of the intestine. It has been used in English since the 15th century.