Meaning & Definition of word "Colon"

Colon

/ˈkoʊ.lən/

1. A punctuation mark (:) used to precede a list, a quotation, or an explanation.
- Example: Make sure to include the following items: bread, milk, eggs, and cheese.
2. A part of the large intestine that connects the cecum to the rectum.
- Example: The doctor explained that the colon is responsible for absorbing water from indigestible food matter.
3. A unit of measure in typography, typically equal to 1/72 of an inch.
- Example: The text was arranged in two columns of six picas each, with a space of one colon between them.
4. In programming, a symbol used to denote a specific operation or separation in code.
- Example: In Python, you use a colon to indicate the start of an indented block following a control statement.

From Latin 'colon', meaning 'a part of a verse' or 'colon', and from Greek 'kolon' meaning 'limb'.

colon cancer:

A type of cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum.

colon cleanse:

A method for removing waste and toxins from the colon.

colonoscopy:

A procedure to examine the inner lining of the colon.

rectum:

The final section of the large intestine, where waste is stored before excretion.

intestine:

A part of the digestive tract that includes the small intestine and large intestine.

punctuation:

The use of spacing, conventional signs, and certain typographical devices to help clarify meaning in written text.

Meaning: A term used in medical slang referring to bowel issues.

Example Sentence: He's got a real colon issue, can't eat anything without running to the bathroom.

Meaning: Sometimes used humorously to refer to someone being overly analytical.

Example Sentence: He's such a colon guy, always parsing every little detail.