"inferior opening of the alimentary canal," 1650s, from Old French anus, from Latin anus "ring, anus," from PIE root *ano- "ring." So called for its shape; cf. Greek daktylios "anus," literally "ring (for the finger)," from daktylos "finger."
anus a·nus (ā'nəs)
n. pl. a·nus·es
The opening at the lower end of the alimentary canal through which solid waste is eliminated from the body. Also called anal orifice, fundament.
terminal opening of the anal canal, the portion of the digestive tract through which fecal material is excreted. See also rectum.