noun
diuretic
dy-yoo-RET-ik
Diuretic (noun) means a substance that makes the kidneys produce more urine, used medically to reduce fluid build-up and lower blood pressure. Example: “The doctor added a mild diuretic to bring his blood pressure down.”
noun
1
A substance that makes the kidneys produce more urine, used medically to reduce fluid build-up and lower blood pressure.
"The doctor added a mild diuretic to bring his blood pressure down."
"Loop diuretics act quickly and are used when the legs are badly swollen."
adjective
1
Causing the body to pass more urine than usual.
"Coffee has a mild diuretic effect in people who rarely drink it."
How to use diuretic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that makes you wee more.
When to use it
Medical but widely understood; water pill is the everyday equivalent.
Memory tip
Diuretic and its opposite antidiuretic differ by one prefix — ADH, antidiuretic hormone, tells the kidneys to keep water in.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
laxative →
antidiuretic
Common pairings
thiazide diuretic
loop diuretic
natural diuretic
diuretic effect
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The doctor added a mild _____ to bring his blood pressure down.
Etymology
From Greek diourētikos, from diourein 'to pass urine', formed from dia- 'through' and ouron 'urine'.
Synonyms
View more →
water pill
water tablet
Rhymes for diuretic
poetic
genetic
heretic
kinetic
ascetic
frenetic
magnetic
cosmetic
athletic
diabetic
pathetic
copacetic
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of diuretic?
"diuretic" (noun) means a substance that makes the kidneys produce more urine, used medically to reduce fluid build-up and lower blood pressure.
