urinary
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /jˈɔːrɪnəri/
US
- /ˈjɜrəˌnɛri/
Description
- relating to urine
- connected with the body's waste-removal system
- concerning peeing or bladder function
The word "urinary" refers to anything related to urine, the liquid waste your body makes. It often comes up in health and medical talk. You might hear "urinary tract infection" (UTI) when someone has an infection in the bladder or nearby parts of the system, or "urinary frequency," which means needing to pee often. Doctors use this word when talking about how the body stores and removes urine. Think of it as a useful label for this part of the body's everyday work.
"Urinary" is an adjective that relates to the production, storage, and removal of urine, the liquid waste made by the kidneys. It is mostly used in medical and health contexts, especially when talking about the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. This system filters waste from the blood and helps remove it from the body.
You'll see "urinary" in phrases like "urinary incontinence" (loss of bladder control), "urinary retention" (being unable to empty the bladder fully), and "urinary catheter" (a tube placed into the bladder to drain urine). It also appears in names for tests and procedures related to this system, such as a "urinalysis," a lab test of your urine.
While it is not a word most people use in casual conversation unless health is involved, understanding "urinary" helps you follow medical information about the kidneys, bladder, and the flow of urine. It is a precise term that helps healthcare workers explain problems, symptoms, and treatment clearly. For example, a doctor might say that a person has a "urinary tract obstruction," meaning something is blocking the normal flow of urine. So even if the topic is not glamorous, this word is an important part of talking about basic health and how the body works.
Examples
- 1
Medical diagnosis
The doctor said I might have a urinary tract infection.
Domain
urinary tract infection
an infection in the system that carries urine, often called a UTI
- 2
Medication side effects
Tell your doctor if you notice any urinary problems while taking this medicine.
- 3
Medical treatment
The clinic offers treatment for urinary incontinence in older adults.
Domain
urinary incontinence
not being able to fully control when you pass urine
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- urinaryadjective