anus
Low-Frequency (Specialist)Technical/Formal/Medical (Taboo/Vulgar in casual registers)
Definition
Meaning
The opening at the lower end of the alimentary canal through which solid waste leaves the body.
Primarily retains its anatomical meaning; occasionally used in technical or metaphorical contexts (e.g., geometry) for a ring-like opening.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is a precise anatomical/zoological term but is often avoided in general conversation due to strong social taboos, where euphemisms are preferred. In technical usage, it is neutral.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical difference. Pronunciation differs slightly.
Connotations
Equally strong taboo/vulgar connotation in non-technical contexts in both dialects.
Frequency
Used with similar frequency in technical/medical contexts; equally avoided in polite everyday conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [noun] of the anusAn [adjective] anusto examine the anusVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biological, medical, veterinary, and anthropological texts.
Everyday
Almost always avoided; considered vulgar or overly graphic. Euphemisms like 'bottom' or 'behind' are used.
Technical
Standard, neutral term in medicine, biology, anatomy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The anal canal leads to the anus.
- The surgeon repaired the anal fissure.
American English
- The anal canal leads to the anus.
- The surgeon repaired the anal fissure.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The diagram clearly labels the rectum and the anus.
- Certain medical conditions can affect the function of the anus.
- The imperforate anus is a congenital condition requiring surgical correction.
- The study examined the nerve endings surrounding the anal verge and anus.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A-nus' sounds like 'a' + 'nurse' – a nurse might deal with medical issues related to this part of the body.
Conceptual Metaphor
Rarely metaphorical. In geometry, 'annulus' (a ring shape) is etymologically related but not a direct metaphor.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'анус' (the direct loanword). Be aware of the very high register/taboo difference: Russian 'анус' is a highly formal medical term, while English 'anus' is still technical but carries a stronger vulgar connotation in casual speech.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'annus' (which means 'year' in Latin).
- Using it in inappropriate casual contexts, causing offense.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'anus' considered a neutral, appropriate term?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not inherently rude; it is the correct anatomical term. However, it is considered graphic and vulgar in casual, non-technical conversation. In polite settings, euphemisms are used.
The rectum is the final section of the large intestine, a chamber that holds feces. The anus is the external opening at the end of the rectum, controlled by sphincter muscles.
Yes, many exist due to the social taboo, such as 'backside', 'bottom', 'behind', 'rear end', or (for children) 'bum'. More vulgar synonyms include 'arsehole/asshole' and 'butthole'.
No. The related adjective is 'anal' (e.g., anal canal, anal fissure). Using 'anus' as an adjective is incorrect.