urine

noun \ ˈyər-ən , ˈyu̇r- \

|Updated on: 8 Aug 2018

Definition of urine

: 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

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urinous

play \ˈyər-ə-nəs, ˈyu̇r-\ adjective

See urine defined for English-language learners

See urine defined for kids

Recent Examples of urine from the Web

But your vet can run blood tests and check stool and urine samples to find out what's wrong, then advise you on next steps.

— lainey seyler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "My cat will never die, but in case he does get sick, Lap of Love vet has some tips," 10 July 2018
The rarity and severity of this NCAA policy makes this case unusual, but the results of Fulton’s own urine sample push it farther toward the extraordinary.

— ross dellenger, SI.com, "The Curious Case of Kristian Fulton: A Two-Year Ban, a Last-Ditch Appeal and a Spotlight on the NCAA," 13 June 2018
Then the athlete’s urine sample came back positive for EPO, a blood-boosting agent that violates international doping rules.

— siobhán o'grady, Washington Post, "Kenyan athlete admits to giving drug tester money but says he thought it was for ‘fuel or tea’," 1 June 2018
In a prime real estate area off Syntagma Square is a 2,600-square-meter listed building from 1955, the marble entrance reeking of urine.

— Washington Post, "AP PHOTOS: Life, and value, for derelict Greek properties," 10 July 2018
When moisture is detected, an alarm will sound, and ideally your child will be able to stop the stream of urine and go to the toilet to finish.

— mary caldwell, ajc, "7 ways to bed-wetting to rest for your child," 2 July 2018
Officials said the smell of urine in the home was unbearable and said feces had been smeared on the walls.

— laney ruckstuhl, BostonGlobe.com, "More than 80 great danes seized from N.H. mansion will be available for adoption," 15 June 2018
In the middle of this muddle, two tough guys — played by, no joke, Mike Tyson and Steven Seagal — lumber around a bar, grimacing and throwing punches in a dispute over who’s going to drink a glass of urine.

— noel murray, latimes.com, "Mike Tyson fighting Steven Seagal is a mere sideshow in the strange action flick 'China Salesman'," 14 June 2018
In addition to no hot water, the water spewing from the taps was a bright yellow — like the color of urine, Ross said.

— bob fernandez, chicagotribune.com, "Digital First newspapers face harsh cuts, potential ‘lights-out scenario’," 17 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'urine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of urine

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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URINE Defined for English Language Learners

urine

noun

Definition of urine for English Language Learners

medical : waste liquid that collects in the bladder before leaving the body

URINE Defined for Kids

urine

noun \ ˈyu̇r-ən \

Definition of urine for Students

: the yellowish liquid produced by the kidneys and given off from the body as waste

Medical Dictionary

urine

noun \ ˈyu̇r-ən \

medical Definition of urine

: 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