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

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.

Other Word Forms

• diuretically adverb
• diureticalness noun
• undiuretic 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

Finally, due to its diuretic effect, drinking alcohol before bed may mean more bathroom visits during the night — further disrupting sleep.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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