kidneys

Main Entry:: kid·ney
Pronunciation:: \ˈkid-nē\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural kidneys
Etymology:: Middle English
Date:: 14th century

1 a: one of a pair of vertebrate organs situated in the body cavity near the spinal column that excrete waste products of metabolism, in humans are bean-shaped organs about 4¹⁄₂ inches (11¹⁄₂ centimeters) long lying behind the peritoneum in a mass of fatty tissue, and consist chiefly of nephrons by which urine is secreted, collected, and discharged into a main cavity whence it is conveyed by the ureter to the bladder b: any of various excretory organs of invertebrate animals2: the kidney of an animal eaten as food3: sort or kind especially with regard to temperament <a nice helpful guy, of a different kidney entirely from the…Secret Police — Paula Lecler>

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