ANAL

Pronunciation (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does anal mean? 

• ANAL (adjective)
  The adjective ANAL has 2 senses:

1. of or related to the anus
2. a stage in psychosexual development when the child's interest is concentrated on the anal region; fixation at this stage is said to result in orderliness, meanness, stubbornness, compulsiveness, etc.

  Familiarity information: ANAL used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ANAL (adjective)

Meaning:

Of or related to the anus

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

anal thermometer

Pertainym:

anus (excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal)

Meaning:

A stage in psychosexual development when the child's interest is concentrated on the anal region; fixation at this stage is said to result in orderliness, meanness, stubbornness, compulsiveness, etc.

Synonyms:

anal retentive; anal

Domain category:

analysis; depth psychology; psychoanalysis (a set of techniques for exploring underlying motives and a method of treating various mental disorders; based on the theories of Sigmund Freud)

Antonym:

oral (a stage in psychosexual development when the child's interest is concentrated in the mouth; fixation at this stage is said to result in dependence, selfishness, and aggression)