Definition

Relating to the excretion of urea as the main way to remove nitrogenous waste from the body.

Example

Many mammals are ureotelic, meaning they primarily excrete urea instead of ammonia.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals are ureotelic in how they excrete waste?

Really? I had no idea what that meant until now!

Yeah, it just means they mainly excrete urea instead of ammonia.

That makes sense! I guess it's more efficient for them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ureotelic → It is formed from "ureo-" (from Greek "ouron", meaning urine) and "-telic" (from Greek "telos", meaning end or purpose). The word refers to organisms that excrete urea as their primary nitrogenous waste, indicating their method of waste management.

Memory Tip

Think of 'urine' ('ureo-') being related to the 'purpose' ('-telic') of how certain organisms manage waste, which helps you remember that ureotelic refers to those that excrete urea.

Visually Confused Words