Definition

Relating to the cloaca, which is a common cavity at the end of the digestive tract in some animals, where waste and reproductive fluids are expelled.

Example

The bird's reproductive system is cloacal, meaning it uses the same opening for laying eggs and excreting waste.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals have a cloacal opening?

Really? I thought most had separate openings for different functions.

Yeah, it’s interesting how nature works with such cloacal adaptations.

Absolutely! It shows how diverse life can be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cloacal → It is derived from "cloaca" (from Latin, meaning sewer or drain) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "cloacal" refers to something related to a cloaca, which is a common opening for excretion and reproduction in certain animals.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'sewer' ('cloaca') that serves multiple purposes, and remember that 'cloacal' describes something related to that common opening.

Visually Confused Words