colorectal

adjective

co·​lo·​rec·​tal ˌkō-lō-ˈrek-tᵊl How to pronounce colorectal (audio)
: relating to or affecting the colon and rectum
colorectal cancer

Examples of colorectal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Today, about 45 percent of new colorectal cancers are being diagnosed in adults younger than 65. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 15 Oct. 2026 In fact, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women, and more women die from lung cancer than breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer each year. — Estelamari Rodriguez, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 When Min came down with Stage 4 colorectal cancer a few years ago, his sister and brother-in-law were a constant presence at his side. — Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Jo Henderson was 17 when she was diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer. — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for colorectal

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of colorectal was in 1889

Rhymes for colorectal

See All Rhymes for colorectal

Browse Nearby Words

color dimension
colorectal
colored
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Cite this Entry

“Colorectal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colorectal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

colorectal

adjective
co·​lo·​rec·​tal ˌkō-lə-ˈrek-tᵊl, ˌkäl-ə- How to pronounce colorectal (audio)
: relating to or affecting the colon and the rectum
colorectal cancer
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