polydipsia

noun

poly·​dip·​sia ˌpä-lē-ˈdip-sē-ə 

: excessive or abnormal thirst

polydipsic

ˌpä-lē-ˈdip-sik 

adjective

Examples of polydipsia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Excessive Thirst One of the main symptoms of type 1 diabetes is excessive or extreme thirst, called polydipsia. — Daniel Combs, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025

Though dying from drinking too much fluid might sound like a freak accident, polydipsia is not uncommon in psychiatric hospitals like Springfield. — Emily Woodruff, baltimoresun.com, 9 June 2017

Psychogenic polydipsia is a chronic disorder in which certain psychiatric patients compulsively consume large quantities of water. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2019

However, excessive and persistent thirst—a condition known as polydipsia—can reveal an underlying medical issue. — Lauren O'Connor, Health, 23 Oct. 2025

Your diet may play a role in potentially developing polydipsia or related symptoms, certainly, as can other lifestyle factors; sometimes, thirst may be an indicator of a larger issue that requires a doctor's help. — Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 27 Sep. 2020

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Greek polýdipsos "causing great thirst" (from poly- poly- + -dipsos, adjective derivative of dípsa "thirst," of uncertain origin) + -ia entry 1

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

polydipsia

noun

poly·​dip·​sia ˌpäl-i-ˈdip-sē-ə 

: excessive or abnormal thirst

polydipsic

-sik 

adjective