urine

noun

ˈyər-ən How to pronounce urine (audio)
ˈyu̇r-
: waste material that is secreted by the kidney in vertebrates, is rich in end products of protein metabolism together with salts and pigments, and forms a clear amber and usually slightly acid fluid in mammals but is semisolid in birds and reptiles
urinous
ˈyər-ə-nəs How to pronounce urine (audio)
ˈyu̇r-
adjective

Examples of urine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If the kidneys, which process urine, do not properly develop, the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus will be low, since urine is a component of the fluid. Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 During a research trip in Peru, the scientists observed cicadas in trees squirting out urine in a high-speed stream. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 Alcohol metabolites later showed up on the urine screen, and Smith was honest with her counselor about having partaken in the celebratory toasts. Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Mar. 2024 This typically involves a blood test, but urine tests, saliva tests, and imaging tests might be recommended to provide a comprehensive overview of your health and to detect any underlying issues. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2024 The laboratory Millennium Health said 60% of patients whose urine samples contained fentanyl last year also tested positive for methamphetamine. Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2024 The urine of the women who get UTIs also contained a neuropeptide that’s made when neurons are activated. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 1 Mar. 2024 An endocrinologist may ask a patient to collect their urine over 24 hours to measure the levels of cortisol, ACTH, and other key hormones. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 Feb. 2024 Pilots had their urine tested for weeks before and after the tests to check melatonin levels, which affects sleep. Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'urine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin urina, from urinari to dive; akin to Sanskrit vār water and perhaps to Sanskrit varṣati it rains, Greek ourein to urinate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of urine was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near urine

Cite this Entry

“Urine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urine. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

urine

noun
: waste material that is secreted by the kidneys, is rich in the end products of protein breakdown, and is usually a yellowish liquid in mammals but semisolid in birds and reptiles

Medical Definition

urine

noun
: waste material that is secreted by the kidney, is rich in end products (as urea, uric acid, and creatinine) of protein metabolism together with salts and pigments, and forms a clear amber and usually slightly acid fluid

More from Merriam-Webster on urine

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