noun
ureter
yoor-EE-tuh
Ureter (noun) means one of a pair of tubes that drain urine from the kidneys down into the bladder. Example: “Each kidney is joined to the bladder by a ureter.”
noun
1
technical One of a pair of tubes that drain urine from the kidneys down into the bladder.
"Each kidney is joined to the bladder by a ureter."
"A small stone blocked the ureter and caused severe pain."
"The surgeon examined both ureters during the operation."
How to use ureter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tube that carries urine from a kidney to the bladder.
When to use it
It is an anatomical term, common in medical writing.
Memory tip
Ureter has the stress on the second syllable, and it is easily mixed up with urethra.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
left ureter
right ureter
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Each kidney is joined to the bladder by a _____.
Etymology
Ureter comes from the Ancient Greek word ourētḗr.
Rhymes for ureter
See all rhymes for ureter →Frequently asked questions
What does the ureter do?
The ureter carries urine from a kidney to the urinary bladder.
How many ureters do people have?
There are two ureters, one for each kidney.
What is the difference between the ureter and the urethra?
The ureter carries urine from a kidney to the bladder, while the urethra is a separate part of the urinary tract.
What is the meaning of ureter?
"ureter" (noun) means one of a pair of tubes that drain urine from the kidneys down into the bladder.
