Kidney

Definition

A bean-shaped organ in vertebrates that filters the blood to remove waste products and excess substances, which are then excreted as urine.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɪdni/
• Respelling: KID-nee (with "KID" as in "kid" and "nee" as in "knee")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɪdni/
• Respelling: KID-nee (with "KID" as in "kid" and "nee" as in "knee")

In both dialects, "kidney" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "KID." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "KID-nee."

Etymology

The term "kidney" is derived from the Old English word "cīdan", which means "to gush forth", possibly in reference to its function in producing urine.

Derivatives

• Renal (adjective related to kidneys)
• Kidney-shaped
• Kidney bean (shape resemblance)
• Kidney stone (calcified deposit)
• Nephrology (study of kidney functions and diseases)

Synonyms

• Renal organ
• Nephric
• Bean (colloquially, due to its shape)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

Kidneys are crucial for filtering waste products from the blood, regulating blood pressure, maintaining electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production. Kidney health is vital for overall bodily functions.

Related Terms

• Nephrology
• Urea
• Dialysis
• Renal artery
• Urine

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Kidney (Noun): An organ in the body of vertebrates that filters waste from the blood to produce urine.
  • Example: "The doctor explained that the kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the body's internal balance."

• Kidney (Noun, Culinary): The edible organ of an animal, used as food.
  • Example: "Kidney pie is a traditional dish in many cultures."

• Kidney (Noun, Figurative): Nature, temperament, or kind.
  • Example: "She is a woman of a different kidney altogether."