diuretic
2 synonyms for diuretic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A substance that makes the kidneys produce more urine, used medically to reduce fluid build-up and lower blood pressure.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
water pill
water tablet
How to use diuretic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
thiazide diuretic
loop diuretic
natural diuretic
diuretic effect
Medical but widely understood; water pill is the everyday equivalent.
Etymology
From Greek diourētikos, from diourein 'to pass urine', formed from dia- 'through' and ouron 'urine'.
Full origin of diuretic →Frequently asked questions
Is coffee a diuretic?
Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, but regular drinkers develop a tolerance to it, and the fluid in the cup more than replaces what is lost. For most people, ordinary coffee counts towards daily fluid intake rather than against it.
What are diuretics prescribed for?
Mainly high blood pressure, heart failure, and swelling caused by fluid retention in the legs, lungs, liver or kidneys. Because they flush out salts as well as water, treatment usually involves blood tests to check potassium and sodium.
How is diuretic pronounced?
Four syllables, dy-yoo-RET-ik, with the stress on RET. The first syllable rhymes with eye.
