noun / adjective

diuretic

dye-yoo-RET-ik/ˌdaɪjuˈretɪk/

Causing increased urine production, or a substance that does so.

The medicine acts as a diuretic, markedly increasing urine production.

A compact clinical before-and-after comparison links an oral medicine to markedly increased urine output, keeping the substance and its effect visually prominent.

Etymology

The pieces combine “through” with “urinate.” Their Greek derivative meant “prompting urine,” explaining why the noun names a substance that promotes urine production.

In context

Success Secrets TV5:41

alcohol actually makes you dehydrated because it is a natural diuretic the body relies on healthy fluids to function correctly

13 Bad Habits That Age You Faster Without You Noticing It

More examples

Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect.
Some diuretics are used to treat high blood pressure.
She takes her diuretic in the morning.

Forms

diuretic · diuretics

diuresis noun — Increased production and excretion of urine.

Similar words

water pill: Informal name for a diuretic medication; used only as a noun.