diuretic
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌdaɪ.jʊˈrɛt.ɪk/
KK: /daɪˈjʊərɪtɪk/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that helps the body produce more urine.
Example
The doctor prescribed a diuretic to help reduce the patient's fluid retention.
Conversation
Have you ever tried that new tea they say is a diuretic?
No, I haven't! Does it really work?
Yeah, I heard it helps flush out toxins and increases urine flow.
That sounds interesting! I might give it a try this weekend.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
urinary
excretory
renal
Antonyms
antidiuretic
retentive
conserving
noun
Definition
A substance that helps the body get rid of extra water by increasing urine production.
Example
The doctor prescribed a diuretic to help reduce the patient's swelling.
Conversation
I heard that green tea acts like a diuretic for some people.
Really? I didn’t know that!
Yeah, it can help flush out excess water weight.
Root Explanation
Diuretic → It is formed from "di-" (from Greek "dia-", meaning through or across) and "ourein" (meaning to urinate). The word describes a substance that causes increased urination, allowing fluids to pass through the body more effectively.
Memory Tip
Think of 'through' ('di-') and 'urinate' ('ourein') to remember that a diuretic helps to increase urination.
Visually Confused Words
undiuretic
uretic
dietic
diaeretic
dietics