diuretic

[ dahy-uh-ret-ik ]

adjective

1. increasing the volume of the urine excreted, as by a medicinal substance.

noun

1. a diuretic medicine or agent.

diuretic

/ ˌdaɪjʊˈrɛtɪk /

adjective

1. acting to increase the flow of urine

noun

1. a drug or agent that increases the flow of urine

diuretic

/ dī′ə-rĕt′ĭk /

1. A substance or drug that tends to increase the discharge of urine. Diuretics are used in the treatment of high blood pressure, edema, and other medical conditions.

diuretic

1. A substance that increases the rate of urine production.

Derived Forms

• ˌdiuˈretically, adverb
• ˌdiuˈreticalness, noun

Other Words From

• diu·reti·cal·ly adverb
• diu·reti·cal·ness noun
• undi·u·retic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diuretic¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; Middle English d(i)uretik, from Late Latin diūrēticus, from Greek diourētikós, from di- di- ³ + ourē- (verb stem of oureîn “to urinate”; uro- ¹( def ) ) + -tikos -tic

Example Sentences

The results show that long-term use of antihypertensive drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, diuretics and blood-thinning drugs is associated with between 4 and 25 percent lower risk of dementia.

From Science Daily

Medications used to treat heart failure include diuretics, which reduce tissue swelling and can be administered orally or intravenously.

From Science Daily

Though caffeine is a diuretic, consuming up to 400 mg of it daily can actually help with hydration, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ King.

From Los Angeles Times

Prescription medicines like diuretics can cause dehydration, especially during warm weather in an area as arid as central Arizona.

From Seattle Times

The plant contains dozens of bioactive chemical compounds and is used throughout Southeast Asia and China as a painkiller, fever reducer, and diuretic.

From Science Magazine