Meaning & use
a proctologist
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountablemedical
A doctor who treats medical conditions of the rectum and anus.
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a proctologist', 'two proctologists', or 'the proctologist'.
Patterns
- see a proctologist
- a proctologist examines something
- be referred to a proctologist
After months of pain, he finally saw a proctologist.
The proctologist examined the patient and recommended a simple treatment.
She was referred to a proctologist for further tests.
Word forms
| plural | proctologists |
|---|
Common combinations
- see a proctologist
- If the bleeding continues, you should see a proctologist.
- be referred to a proctologist
- His family doctor referred him to a proctologist.
- a proctologist examines someone
- A proctologist examines the lower bowel and surrounding area.
Synonyms and how they differ
- colorectal surgeon
- This is the more common modern term, especially in the US, and it often includes surgery; 'proctologist' is narrower and older.
- gastroenterologist
- A gastroenterologist treats the whole digestive system, while a proctologist focuses on the rectum and anus.
Word family
- proctology noun
- The medical specialty that deals with the rectum and anus.
- proctological adjective
- Relating to proctology or a proctologist.
Commonly confused: a proctologist or urologist? a proctologist or protologist?
a proctologist vs urologist
A urologist treats the urinary system and male reproductive organs, while a proctologist treats the rectum and anus. The two areas are close but different.
a proctologist vs protologist
This is a common misspelling. The correct spelling begins with 'proct-', not 'prot-'.
Practice
A doctor who specializes in the rectum and anus is called a ___.
Choose one answer.
'Proctologist' is the correct term for a doctor who treats the rectum and anus. A urologist treats the urinary system, a gastroenterologist treats the whole digestive tract, and a dermatologist treats the skin.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a proctologist”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.