cloaca Definition
- 1a common cavity at the end of the digestive tract for the release of both excretory and genital products in vertebrates except most mammals and higher reptiles
- 2a covered sewer opening, especially in a city
- 3a concealed or suppressed place where undesirable things are hidden
Using cloaca: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cloaca" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cloaca is the only opening for waste and reproductive fluids in birds.
Example
The ancient Romans built an extensive network of cloacas to manage their sewage.
Example
The city workers were tasked with cleaning out the cloaca after it became clogged.
Example
The corrupt officials used the company as a cloaca to hide their illegal activities.
cloaca Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with cloaca
an act of birds touching their cloacas together in order to transfer sperm from the male to the female during copulation
Example
The cloacal kiss is a common sight among many bird species.
a form of respiration that occurs in some aquatic animals, such as turtles and frogs, where gas exchange takes place through the cloaca
Example
During hibernation, turtles can survive by using cloacal respiration.
a rare congenital abnormality where the cloaca does not develop properly, leading to malformations of the urinary, genital, and digestive systems
Example
Cloacal exstrophy requires immediate medical attention after birth.
Origins of cloaca
from Latin 'cloaca', meaning 'sewer'
Summary: cloaca in Brief
The term 'cloaca' [kloh-ey-kuh] refers to a common cavity at the end of the digestive tract in most vertebrates, except most mammals and higher reptiles, which serves as the exit point for both excretory and genital products. It also denotes a covered sewer opening, especially in a city, and a concealed or suppressed place where undesirable things are hidden. Examples include 'The ancient Romans built an extensive network of cloacas to manage their sewage.' and 'The corrupt officials used the company as a cloaca to hide their illegal activities.'
